WHAT IS A PATRIOT?

WHAT IS A PATRIOT?

By Mark Reed

I write this article because recently, someone mentioned to me that they did not consider themselves to be a patriot. It got me to thinking about exactly what a patriot is. The following are some of the more familiar definitions found online via Google on what a patriot or patriotism is:

pa·tri·ot

noun 1. a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

noun: patriotism

the quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one’s country.

“a highly decorated officer of unquestionable integrity and patriotism”

1. devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.

:  love for or devotion to one’s country – Although poles apart ideologically, they are both unashamed of their patriotism. Christopher Hemphill

If you’re full of patriotism, you’re full of love for your country. Patriotism is associated with serving your country and waving the flag.

There are, actually, a lot of ways to demonstrate your patriotism. Waving the flag is an obvious way, but anything that celebrates your country or makes it stronger is a great display of patriotism. Whenever a country is at war, people are more vocal about their patriotism, playing patriotic songs and making speeches full of national pride. Showing patriotism is so important that politicians will argue with each other about who really has more patriotism.

From Wikipedia:

Patriotism is an attachment to a homeland. This attachment can be viewed in terms of different features relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects. It encompasses a set of concepts closely related to those of nationalism.

The English term patriot is first attested in the Elizabethan era, via Middle French from Late Latin (6th century) patriota, meaning “countryman”, ultimately from Greek πατριώτης (patriōtēs), meaning ‘from the same country’, from πατρίς (patris), meaning ‘fatherland’. The abstract noun patriotism appears in the early 18th century.

I grew up in what could be viewed as a template for the American patriotic family. My father was a decorated combat officer who flew bombers and fighters over Europe during WWII. I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. I grew up spending many hours at the Smyrna American Legion, where my dad and his fellow vets spent much time.

I served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. I have many friends who gave their lives fighting for our country. I am a forty-five year continuous member of the aforementioned Smyrna American Legion Post 160. I was one of the first veterans to donate money to the idea of building a memorial to those who lost their lives during Vietnam. That idea became the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

I was appointed as the Chairman of the Sigma Pi Veterans Committee and designed, raised the funds for, and built the Sigma Pi Veterans Memorial on the grounds of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International’s HQ in Lebanon, Tennessee. Yes, I call myself a patriot.

The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted – the officers oath is somewhat different, but basically the same):

“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

The Oath of Office (for officers):

“I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the _____ (Military Branch) of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.”

The above enlisted oath is the one I took upon my induction into the U.S. Army almost 50 years ago. It is not an oath that any of us took lightly. For most of us, it is an oath we still embrace…once taken, it lasts for our lifetime.

While I may be viewed as a typical American patriot, I in no way define the ONLY way to be viewed as or to define an American patriot. American patriots come in many different forms. The mother and father of a son or daughter who served or serves in our country’s military can be identified as patriots, especially if they lost their loved one due to that service.

That goes for any family member who proudly supports their family member who serves or served. Those who proudly fly the American flag are patriots. Those who salute the flag or stand in respect of our flag at any event where the colors are presented and the National Anthem is played are patriots. Those who love our country and support our constitution are patriots. Those immigrants who come to our country and become citizens who assimilate, support the constitution and love our country are patriots.

The above is not an all-inclusive list of who are patriots. But there is one common denominator that we all share…and that is that we all consider ourselves Americans and will, if called upon in extreme cases, give our very lives for our country. Most never have to do that, but many have and continue to do so.

Patriots come in all sizes, shapes, colors, ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. If you are a patriot, you know you are. If you are not sure, maybe you need to take a good look at yourself.

Having said all this, being a patriot does not mean that you accept everything about America. There is still hate, racism and intolerance all around us. Our country makes mistakes. We all do. We are human. But what sets us apart and above most any other free society is the ability and track record of righting wrongs and changing for the better, yet still loving and supporting our country.

We are so blessed to live in what I believe is the greatest country in the history of the world – a country that has done much good and has overcome and changed some bad it has done. There is still work to be done.

But if we the people, the American patriots, pull together where we can with a common view and effort to make ourselves better, then there is nothing that can stop us from becoming even greater.