Growing Up Patriotic
When I was 11, we lived in
I was stunned to crash this intimate and moving scene of my mother. I was speechless as she turned to reassure me. “I always get emotional when I hear this song,” she said. Being in a military family, around this anthem a lot, I wondered why I never knew this about her. My mother was pretty reserved, so to see this side of her was huge. I appreciated being a part of this touching moment. It pierced my heart with a lasting memory of her patriotism and love of country. To this day I get emotional when I hear that song or the Star Spangled Banner, whether it’s because of patriotism or because it reminds me of an infrequently occurring dear moment from my childhood.
Patriotism Defined
Webster’s defines patriotism as “love or devotion to one’s country.” I certainly feel this toward my country. We’ve always been the most free and democratic nation in the world. We’ve been the greatest super power and the country that offers the most to people from anywhere else who might be seeking a safe haven. But that is changing. Trying times have altered that generosity; hopefully this shift won’t be permanent.
I’m thrilled to have been old enough to appreciate JFK’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” I believe he and his brothers contributed significantly to bolstering patriotism at home. Their words and deeds could make us believe in ourselves and in each other. I often wonder how our love of America might have been enhanced by his son’s participation in the political arena also.
In Other Countries
We Can Always Learn From Others
To me, seeing the ways others are in the world heightens my sense of patriotism. I am proud to be an American when we use nearly unlimited resources to free a kitten trapped in a well. But learning from people in other countries also reminds me to let go of some feckless behavior and put the well-being of others ahead of my own. We can always improve the way we are in our immediate family and circle of friends, and opening our arms wider to embrace the qualities of those who are different from us can bring greater joy, humility and patriotism. This is how to celebrate the American way.
antoniasseniormoments@hotmail.com