Is Patriotism Important Today

Is Patriotism Important Today

Does Patriotism Still Matter? By Hal Lemon

I think patriotism still matters because if we didn’t have patriotism we wouldn’t have the freedoms that we have now. Part of patriotism is realizing that we are not just given our freedom and democracy without a price. We may have to fight to protect our freedom. It was patriotism that helped our country win war after war. The loyalty and love our citizens had for the United States is why they joined the military to fight for our country. If there had not been patriots during the World Wars, we might be speaking German or Japanese today.
Every morning, kids across the country stand up to say the Pledge of Allegiance. They would not do this if another patriot had not written the Pledge as part of a celebration honoring the discovery of America by Columbus. Baptist minister Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance in 1982 to show his love for the flag and all it represented (1). That pledge reminds kids today that they should be proud to be Americans and be loyal to their country. Without the Pledge, they might grow up not caring about America. When a patriot says the pledge as they look at the flag, it helps them see past the cloth and colors to the sacrifices made to ensure that flag still flies.
Patriotism is what holds us together as a country. It means uniting behind our country no matter what our differences are. Americans are all difference colors and religions. Our cultures are different in each area of the country. But the one thing that holds us together and helps make sure we keep our freedom is our love of America. Patriotism matters today because without it we probably would not have a country to feel patriotic about for very long.

1. Arthur Schlesinger Jr. NYTimes.com http://www.lnstar.com/mall/literature/frames/PatriotismReligioun.htm

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