When and where do we teach patriotism anymore? According to Merriam Webster, patriotism is a love or devotion for one’s county. Over the past twenty years or so, I’ve noticed a waning of patriotism among my contemporaries. There was a temporary spike in a perceived patriotism following 9/11 – but driven primarily by a desire to retaliate rather than a love and devotion for one’s country (let’s pick an enemy and attack).
I’m not sure we really recognize the uniqueness and fortune of our freedoms. Amidst the challenging economy, struggling job markets, political battles, and declining real estate markets, I can’t imagine living any other place. We enjoy the liberties of a county founded for freedom. There’s a lot to do, much needs to be fixed, and a collective vision embraced. It is because of our freedoms you have an opportunity to make a difference. Thank God for the land He’s given you. Live well the entrustment He’s placed in your hands. Value the gift and the opportunity. Listen to these stories about freedom and be stirred to action. When patriotism dies, so does a nation.
I love our country, America so very much. I think I took our freedom and liberties for granted before 9/11. My son, Joe fought in Iraq. He enlisted in the army at age 18 and left for basic training a month after his h.s. graduation in 2000. Then 9/11 happened the following year. He was sent to Iraq that April in the second wave. He was there 15 months abd went through a lot in that time. I am so proud of all our soldiers from the American Revolution up until today. I attend the Memorial Day service every year now at Hanover Memorial Park. The ceremony is so moving with taps and the 21 gun salute.We have a brick on the sidewalk wih our son’s name, rank, etc. There was a Pastor there this year whose prayer was about all of us standing up against injustice, abortion, prayer, etc. His wife substitutes with me. He was inspiring!
Brenda, thank you for the comment. We are most fortunate to live in America!
The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequences:
1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;
7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage”
Given the nature of our elections, it’s evident we’re somewhere in complacency/ apathy/dependence stage. Is free healthcare, government run education, welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and perhaps one day soon, a free Soviet-style bread line worth it?