This November two things stand out to me: Veteran’s Day on November 11 and Election Day on November 6. Veteran’s Day calls on us to support those citizens who volunteered to serve our country for a period of time regardless of the hardships and consequences that may occur. Many of them are living examples of these hardships. They have lost arms, legs, hands and sometimes their minds and future lives. Many are too broken to live with those who had supported them and are now homeless.
Election Day is highlighted by citizens who have strong opinions about politicians and issues and use the power of their vote to make our country stable, lawful and constitutional. This day is sacred to those who care about their country and want to keep it free. This is a day when changes can occur that determine whether we either stay the course or change direction. Both of the above days depend upon each citizen supporting the basic ideals of the country in which they live, and this in a word is Patriotism.
Most of us believe that we support our country. We live comfortably, we vote, we pay taxes, we raise our families and we live and die in, and for, our country. But, do we love our country? Really deep down love our country? I don’t hear this expressed very often any more. Has the love of our country gone out of style? Has it lost its meaning? Have we forgotten our roots, foundation, and the paths we traveled to get where we are now? Do we believe in, or have doubts about, the greatness of our land and the reasons it is great? Do we love our country anymore?
The political left considers this unnecessary and even at times “silly.” The media of all sorts tend to lessen the whole idea and even obscure it by various smoke screens like dutifully covering it with symbols and short clips and flag waving segments. But this is superficial. What is it that is missing? In a word: Passion! A passion which signifies a true love of our country and its original ideals and our firm foundation. Cosmetic patriotism is rampant except in the military and some segments of law enforcement and even segments of our government itself. But even in these, the deep down idea of being unafraid to express our true love of country is sometimes superficial. It is missing in our schools, so our children become unaware of the importance of this deep love. It is also, unfortunately, missing in our colleges, universities, businesses and places of work.
Do we have deep feelings anymore when we see our flag displayed, our National Anthem performed or our Pledge of Allegiance spoken? Does anything really move us deeply anymore besides movies and songs as superficial expressions of nationalism and patriotism? True love of our country must be self-motivated and come from deep down in our hearts and psyche. It should be felt when we are touched by the true meanings of those who have fought and died for our rights and freedoms. Respect must be present in our love of country, and a profound understanding of our responsibilities to the land that protects our thoughts and our ideals. Without our full participation and respect and realization of our responsibilities, a deep and true love of our country is not possible.
How do we wake up?
A large part of our love of country is made possible by faith in our system of government; judicial, legislative and executive branches. I first became aware of the office of the president when Harry Truman was in office in the 40’s. In my own elementary way I supported him. He was a wartime president with unimaginable responsibilities. I respected the office that he held. Thereafter from Dwight Eisenhower through Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2, Obama and now Donald Trump I have supported that office even when I did not agree with decisions and policies. I realized early on that I did not have to like the person, but I did have to support the office. I still feel that way. And this goes for all of those who hold elected office. This is why our vote is so important. We are free to use this power to express our own opinions and ultimately our love and respect for our country.
The existence of our country depends upon our true love and respect and support. We need to retrieve the right to freely express our love for our country. We need to respect our flag, our National Anthem and our Pledge of Allegiance. And we need to be able to show our patriotism and nationalism without reprisal or derision. It starts with each individual citizen. We will know that this is happening when we are unashamed to express our love openly and unfettered. We should all welcome this idea and crave it deeply for it will ensure our continued existence in freedom. Say this clearly: sing it……shout it……….!
“God Bless America!”