Patriotism

"Take patriotism away, and the nation's soul has fled." ~ Edward Mark Deems

We all know people who believe flying or displaying the American flag makes them a patriot; that this symbolic gesture is proof of their patriotism. Then others will bellow and boast of their love of country and patriotism, but what their words are truly exhibiting is prejudice, conceit and hatred. 

Yes, true patriots fly the American flag. However, the flag does not belong to one person or group, and it certainly does not belong to a political party. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American, and it belongs to all of us.

Having pride in our country is commendable, but true patriotism is recognizing that your welfare is deeply intertwined with the general welfare of your fellow countrymen. If you are to prosper, then everyone else must also prosper.

In difficult times it is more important than ever to come together. Standing alone while spouting about your rights and freedoms being taken away shows how selfish you are. The difficult times are when you should do what is best for the country as a whole, and not what is best just for you. True patriots do not put themselves above all others for they know that every citizen counts.

Where would our rights and freedoms be if many of our fellow citizens did not fight for them? They put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and to ensure our democracy would remain in place. Why would anyone want to tear down our bonds and destroy the unity that should hold our country together? If we work in unison our true patriotism shines through.

Below are two quotes I found regarding patriotism, both of which struck a chord for different reasons. I hope that they speak to you too.

"A great deal of what passes by the name of patriotism in these days consists of the merest bigotry and narrow-mindedness; exhibiting itself in national prejudice, national conceit, and national hatred. It does not show itself in deeds, but in boastings--in howlings, gesticulations, and shrieking helplessly for help--in flying flags and singing songs--and in perpetual grinding at the hurdy-gurdy of long-dead grievances and long-remedied wrongs. To be infested by such a patriotism as this is perhaps among the greatest curses that can befall any country." ~ Samuel Smiles

"True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant and earnest striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

We Do Have Some Control

Image
We have all watched the news media sensationalizing the cost of living today. It seems as if they are trying to create havoc and fear. Although the price of the things we purchase have risen, the truth is we do have some control over how it effects our budget. We need to remember that the pandemic played a large role in the exorbitant increases we have seen on everyday items. The shortages that were created during this time allowed companies to charge much higher prices for what little was produced compared to normal manufacturing quantities. Plus, those who were out purchasing more than they needed and hoarding it also contributed to higher prices. If we listen to all the gloom and doom on our evening news, we will believe there is nothing we can do to ease the strain on our daily cost of living. The truth is, we do have some control on how we spend our money and how to save on everyday items. First of all, I am no different than millions of other people. There have been many times in
Read more

The Most Disappointing Halloween Ever

Image
We just experienced our most disappointing Halloween in the 15 years we have been in our home. We received zero trick-or-treaters. Not one moment of joy opening the door to see little ones in costumes as their cute little voices called out "trick-or-treat"! As far back as I can remember Halloween has been a holiday that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to trick or treat for candy. Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course, back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we would get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened, we would all yell out, "trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and
Read more

These Hands

Image
These hands once young and smooth, now carry the scars of time. Some days I gaze upon them, and wonder whose they are. Once the hands of a child, that loved to play in the mud. Never a thought or worry, as to how these hands looked. As years passed priorities changed, and these hands became important. Lotions, potions and painted nails to show off their natural beauty. Then arrived the child raising years, keeping these hands so busy. Carrying babies, then chasing toddlers, playing and enjoying precious moments. Laundry and cleaning, meals to cook, making a house a home. Ensuring that all within the walls, feel safe, secure and loved. Years of working took their toll, slowly these hands transformed. Once smooth and blemish free, small changes began to appear. Now the senior years have arrived, and time has left a trail. As I think of all these hands have done, I welcome every scar, wrinkle and flaw.
Read more