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Is Patriotism Still Alive?
What is Patriotism? Who has It? Where does it come from? Who needs it? Webster's Dictionary defines it as "love and loyal or zealous support of one's country." Webster's goes on to define a Patriot as "one who loves and loyally or zealously supports one's own country." Okay...that defines it. Now...who has it? Well, some would say that anyone who supports their country with zeal must be blind to the dangers of their own trust. A sad example would be the German people's faith in Hitler during one of Germany's lowest points in history. However, the majority of German people were not supporting a mere "mad-man"...they were supporting a love for their country...their homeland. This was Hitler's "hook" to get the masses to believe in a better Germany...a better country for all Germans. The point is that Patriotism is simply a love for your homeland and wanting that homeland to be better for all. Evil maniacs like Hitler and Stalin stigmatized many good people's intentions. Alright...I hope that explained who might have Patriotism. Where does it come from? I suppose the best answer is that people have an innate need to belong. Family, religion, culture, friends, work, history and aesthetics can all play a part in one's Patriotism. And finally...who needs it? Well, if we all need to belong, and the social/political climate is conducive to allowing freedom and peace, most of us would fight to protect those freedoms and to maintain peace. I am proud to say that I am an American Patriot. American Patriotism is based on over 200 years of history and struggles to protect human rights, maintain justice and protect the innocent. My favorite motto is Freedom Is Never Free!!. There is evil in the world and those who want to promote anarchy and chaos. I support our troops because they are willing to lay down their lives to protect all of our American and Individual rights to be free and live in peace. What better reason for American Patriots to be proud of our wonderful country and its heritage?
I recently received an e-mail of this poem and letter written by an American Marine, which cuts to the heart of what American Patriotism is all about. See if you agree.
"This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad. For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops."
THE MARINE
We all came together, Both young and old To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around.
Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way.
I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, and protest in our streets.
But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won
Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.
But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done
By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF March 23, 2003 Hey Dad, Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US; I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.' Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too. Aaron
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