The first time that swimmer Michael Phelps earned a gold medal in the 29th Olympic Games, the national anthem of the United States was played during his medal ceremony in the Beijing Water Cube. Tears streamed down his face as he listened to the anthem of his country. In the comfort of my own home, I watched this historic moment, and went into a pensive mood. Over and over, I thought about patriotism in relation to the national anthem. I realized that I associated patriotism with things that really seemed superficial compared to the depth of the word. I thought that there HAD to be much more to patriotism than the American flag, the national anthem, and the Fourth of July.
My search for the true meaning of patriotism intrigued me so much that I researched it on the Internet. Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines patriotism as “love for or devotion to one's country”. This short but concise dictionary definition made me realize that I did, and always had known what patriotism really was. Patriotism in its truest and purest form is nothing short of giving one's all for his or her country. True patriotism is show by putting one's life on the line to defend one's country or sacrificing time and energy to better one's community through volunteer work. I realized that there were more true patriots than the founding fathers, and that there are modern day patriots that exemplify the same level of patriotism as they did.
From performing small acts of neighborly kindness to serving in the armed forces, to working as a police officer or firefighter, many citizens of the United States prove themselves to be patriots of the highest order. The truest patriots are those who put much more on the line every day for their country than any other person: their lives. These brave men and women put their very lives at risk for their country every single day, whether they serve their country through joining the armed forces, keeping the streets safe as police officers, or regulating fire safety as firefighters. In doing so, these men and women prove that they are patriots of the same level as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, or any of the other American founding fathers. I guess I really wasn't wrong; even though patriotism goes further than skin deep, the American flag, the national anthem, and the Fourth of July are important symbols of patriotism.
A flag, for example, is much more than a piece of cloth. A blank piece of cloth, or one with random markings has no value or meaning, but a flag is a symbol of unity and solidarity amongst a people group. The American flag, for example, is a symbol of both the struggle of the struggle for independence and the unity of the United States today. The thirteen stripes symbolizes the struggle for freedom of the original 13 colonies. Each stripe is a symbol of the blood, sweat, and tears of thousands of brave men and women who showed patriotism by risking their money, possessions, family, and social status for the freedom and unity of their country. Each of the 50 stars represents the modern day patriots, who sacrifice their time, energy, and sometimes even their lives for the fellow members of their communities.
Much in the same way, the American national anthem also depicts patriotism. The anthem is written from the point of view of one who really cares about and loves his country. Francis Scott Key, when writing the Star Spangled Banner eloquently shared with the rest of the world his undying love and admiration for his country. An anthem is more than a song- it is a rallying point for a people group. The reason why many people cry, or at least feel a feeling of loyalty to their country after hearing its national anthem is that an anthem signifies the years of hard work, unity, and acts of patriotism of their country's peoples. In essence, the American national anthem is a celebration of the American people and the United States itself, which is why it's a symbol of patriotism.
The Fourth of July is also a celebration; it commemorates the struggle and bravery of the founding fathers and their peers in establishing the fledgling republic of the United States of America in a time of violent uncertainty. At a time where their ideas were new and untested, the Founding Fathers decided that it would be the best for their country to start a new country based on their ideas rather than sticking with the old, established system. They risked their livelihoods and reputations when they declared independence from the old, tyrannical system in order to start a new government that they believed would be best for their country
In the end, I realized that I had an innate sense of true patriotism. While not thinking of the true definition of patriotism, I thought of symbols that truly represented it. The American flag, the national anthem, and the Fourth of July all represent patriotism in its truest and highest form. I also realized that people are not born into patriots, that it's not just some people who are set aside to be patriots. Anyone and everyone can become a patriot. A person can show love for and devotion to their country in many ways, from the little things like gardening for ones elderly neighbor to fighting on the front lines in Iraq as a marine. Most importantly, I realized that it's not just some people who are patriots. Patriotism is in everyone, and I challenge you to be a patriot.
