GUEST COLUMN: What is patriotism to me?
If I asked you to close your eyes and picture America, what would you see? Would an image of the 50 states flash through your thoughts or a sentimental memory of backyard barbecue and fireworks on the 4th of July? The United States has so many qualities that set it apart from all other places in the world. It is a land of independence, innovation, freedom, diversity, and opportunity. When I picture America, I see the brave soldiers that risked their lives to protect our values. I see all of the cherished privileges I have including my education, and the opportunity to become anything I want to be. I see the strong, patriotic American citizens that when in a time of need unite to complete the job at hand. There is so much to love about our country, and I cannot help but find pride in being a part of it.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, patriotism is love for or devotion to one’s country. As every human being knows, we cannot love by simply saying I love you. Likewise, we cannot be true patriots by advertising ourselves as such. Georgia O’Keefe once said, “One cannot be an American by going about saying that one is an American. It is necessary to feel America, like America, love America, and then work.” Many American including myself show love for our country through simple gestures. To me, patriotism is reciting the pledge of allegiance every day before school. It is standing for the national anthem. It is thanking a veteran for their service. To truly love America we must show it through action, and the most patriotic act of all is working to improve it.
The very point of the American dream is to take what you have and make it better Therefore; it would be un-American to settle for mediocrity. Our forefathers did not settle for a British ruled colony, and because of their determination in 1776, the United States of America became a free, independent country. As Hubert Humphrey explained, “What we need are critical lovers of America – patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it.” I believe patriotism is love for America, small gestures that express this love, and whenever possible working to improve it because America is too great for small dreams.
Vivian Spencer is an eighth grader at the Weston School District. She is the winner of the Patriot’s Pen Contest through Prouty, Gudenschwager, Henke VFW Post 3434.
