Are you a patriot? Webster’s Dictionary tells us that a patriot is “a person who loves his country”. Commodore, Stephen Decatur Jr. (serving in the US Navy from 1798-1820) is credited with saying a phrase that has come to be known as the epitome of patriotism; “Our Country…may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, our country!"
I grew up in a family that was strong on being a patriot. My father was a Chief Petty Officer and served in the U.S. Navy for over 23 years. Growing up a “Navy Brat” made being a patriot a learned response. I learned the words to our National Anthem when I was very young. I loved reading and hearing about the history of my country. Patriotism was and continues to be very real to me.
During the last few years of my Dad’s naval service he was stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana. My Mom used to drive my brother and me to the movie theater on the base every Saturday. We could watch two movies (back then they had “2nd Features”), have a bag of popcorn and a soda for only $1. One thing that sticks out in my mind about those times is that before the first movie started the theater would show a short film with the American Flag flying and the music of our National Anthem playing. Everyone in the theater stood at attention and held their hand over their heart. I remember how proud it felt to be an American.
U.S. Patriotism was moderate during World War I but much stronger during World War II. Many people made deep sacrifices to support the war efforts. I remember being taught that it was not as strong during the Korean War and I remember how it was weak it was during the Viet Nam War. It seams to rise and wane depending on one thing; when the U.S. is directly attacked. Does that make patriotism a “foul weather” friend?
During the Viet Nam War patriotism was at an all-time low as Americans searched for peace and recovery from the recession involvement in war usually brings. There was a surge of patriotism when we entered the Gulf War, but only after President Bush promised that our fight there would not be another Viet Nam, and that we would send enough support to finish the job and then get out of there. Patriotism diminished quite a bit throughout Clinton Administration as our military focus tended to be towards United Nations “peace-keeping” missions. America wanted to think about itself and not deal with the “petty squabbles” around the world.
September 11, 2001 awakened Americans from a dreamy narcissism to a painful awareness of how Patriotism can surge into focus. As we watched the destruction of three landmarks and the wreckage of one diverted jet with a totaling death of over three thousand Americans in a matter of a few hours we awakened to the fact that all of our military power and hi-tech advancements were not enough to protect us from the type of terrorism that other nations (like Israel) experienced on a regular basis. Then we saw another phenomenon. Patriotism swelled to great waves across our nation, much like when Pearl Harbor was attacked, yet strangely different. This time we found our heroes not only in the military but in the people who survived the tragedy, in the people who gave their lives trying to save those who were dying as well as in those who tried to divert some terrorists from their goals at the cost of their own lives. Hurt and anger prevailed. People wanted the President to do something. Patriotism grew again in response to something violent and foul, powered by our emotional response.
It is a shame that it takes “foul weather” to make patriotism strong. Those of us who grew up “military brats” usually do not have a problem with patriotism. We learned from an early age to salute the flag. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school did not become a habit because we were taught that every time we did so we were proclaiming anew that we stood for our country and her freely dispensed liberty and justice. We learned ALL the words to our National Anthem and sang them every time it was played standing at attention with our hands over our hearts. We watched with pride as our fathers and mothers marched before us in parade dressed in sharp, clean, polished uniforms. Patriotism comes easy to us because WE WERE RAISED WITH IT. Is this why patriotism swells and wanes for most Americans? Could it be that we no longer teach our children just what patriotism is? It is a sorry legacy when a country only shows patriotism in result of and support of violence.
I leave you with this challenge: Do YOU know our National Anthem, word for word, all FOUR verses? Have you ever actually read the Constitution? Do you know the story behind the Liberty Bell? Do you know the real story of Paul Revere? What about July 4th? Why do we call it Independence Day? If we do not know these things then how will our children ever learn patriotism from us? Take the time to learn, share and help us rebuild a nation of patriots.
