What Is Patriotism to Me?

I'm thankful to the VFW for giving the Patriot's Pen prompt; "What is Patriotism to me?" This has allowed me to further understand my country and what is going on with it, and put my personal values into words that can be shared with the masses and hopefully inspire other people. The following video is what inspired the direction of my essay. - Karina

What is Patriotism to Me?

        Perhaps you've watched the video circling the Internet of a little league baseball team where the umpire announces "The National Anthem will not be sung .... Play Ball!" The teams run to their respective dugouts. You hear the cheering of the audience, and what sounds like a cacophony of voices. Gradually, the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner," become discernable, although not everyone is in tune, or singing in unison. You see one team run back to the field, taking their caps off, holding them in their right hand over their hearts. As the video pans, you can see the other teams and parents doing the sane. Towards the end of this song, these patriotic individuals' voices are united. (Crowd Sings National Anthem)

        According to Webster's Dictionary, a "patriot" is "one who loves and supports his/her country, a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors." (Webster)

        A patriot upholds The Constitution and The Bill of Rights in many ways. He protects freedom of religion regardless of their faith, the right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press, regardless of who the speaker is or what is written, and protecting the freedom to assemble, even if you are not with the assembly.

        While defending the country is frequently viewed as joining the armed forces through active-duty or reserves, others who protect us include police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. A patriot supports those mentioned, the president, and other government officials, even if you do not agree with them. They should be respected for the office and the responsibility they hold.

        Defending our country is an act of patriotism.  Thousands of men and women, including myself and family members have felt this calling to serve. From hearing the national anthem, seeing other soldiers deployed, returning home, or even seeing those on a nearby base, and feeling awe-struck from their duty and responsibility.

        To me, patriotism is honoring our living veterans on Veteran's Day and any time we can and putting out flags on Memorial Day for those deceased, standing at attention for the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance. In these and other ways, we show respect for our country and those who risk their lives to protect us.

        As you can see, patriotism can take many forms. We may not always agree. While we are not always in tune or singing the same words in harmony, we are the United States of America.

Works Cited

The crowd sings the national anthem after the announcer says it will not be played before baseball little

Jecrgre.16 October 2020. 8 November 2020.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqfliHuezcou>.

Webster. P¢tri.a/. n.d. website. 27 October 2020. <htry://www.Webster dictionary.

net/definition/patriot>.