Patriotism. It means different things to different people.
What does it mean to you to be patriotic?
Wikipedia defines it as “the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to one’s country. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects”.
Of course there are the core principles of loving your country, respecting the flag and what it stands for, honoring and revering the symbols, rituals and ceremonies, the values the country was built on. And that’s just for starters.
Maybe for you, it’s standing when the National Anthem is being played, showing respect for the flag by saluting it and thanking servicemen for their service and contribution towards the freedoms and democracies we have today.
One of the really powerful ways to show patriotism is by standing up and being counted.
Overtly demonstrating that you love your country, by talking about your devotion, supporting causes, wearing patriotic gear …
Supporting the 4th of July celebrations..
Showing your support for the troops by thanking them and showing them your support and gratitude…
Being a good citizen by contributing to the community at that grass-roots level. Whether you’re volunteering as a coach at Little League, or reading to senior citizens in an Aged Care facility. It all counts.
It’s not just waving a flag on The 4th of July. You can be patriotic every day in States n Stripes gear. From caps to T-shirts. From tea towels to hoodies. You can have it all.
