Happy 4th of July week! I hope you got to camp with family or enjoy a favorite summer activity. Personally, I loved watching fireworks in my college town with friends! What did you do for 4th of July? Comment below & let’s get going with the Young Citizen’s Guide to Modern Patriotism (I’m excited for this one!).
I took a break from posting for the holiday yesterday but can’t shake the idea of what we’re celebrating. How does celebrating America affect our daily lives (or does it at all)? Is the modern generation celebrating July 4th and its age-old traditions? Does the patriotism we celebrate need to extend beyond just one summer day?
Let’s talk about it.
First, what is patriotism?
Patriotism: devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.
Patriotism Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official.” – President Theodore Roosevelt
Quotes about American Patriotism (56 quotes) (quotemaster.org)
As the weekend’s festivities come to a close, it can become easy to lose sight of why patriotism matters. I LOVE fireworks and BBQ and cute friend pics as much as the next girl. At the end of it all, however, why does this holiday – including the concept of patriotism it represents – matter?
The point is to honor our nation. To respect our veterans. To remember the journey early Americans endured for the sake of OUR freedom. The first patriots believed not in perfect people but in a good cause. Visionaries of that age forged a path toward a country where we COULD hold our own opinions, use our personal judgment, and freely debate. These are the privileges we as Americans still implement every day (stepping off my soapbox now; I just really believe in this!).
At the same time, however, patriotism is fading into an overused, misunderstood term with our modern generation. We treat political figures like celebrities and watch the events in our nation happen like spectators whom none of it affects. We’re suffering from complacency toward the concepts such as liberty and democracy that set the first patriots on fire. Yet, at the same time, we celebrate our 3-day-weekend and go back to work on Tuesday as though nothing happened. Our one-day show of patriotism doesn’t seem to be translating our daily American values the rest of the year. So, what can we do?
I’m all about believing in the next generation – the world-changers. People will listen to what we have to say on the matters of our nation; we want to be well-informed and prepared for that time. Part of becoming those well-rounded, successful adults is being able to participate in healthy discussions and becoming well-equipped citizens. That includes instilling and maintaining a sense of patriotism. Why? Because, ultimately, our nation falls united under that common mantle – patriotism.
The first step is talking about it. Now, with all that in mind, let’s look at how the modern generation of young people can implement patriotism daily. Here’s my Young Citizen’s Guide to Modern Patriotism.
1. Practice respectful discussion.
You’ve already accomplished this step! By reading my article so far, you’ve heard some of my beliefs and reached your own conclusions about them. Everyone has opinions; there’s no need to disregard respect for others simply because you disagree. That’s the thing about our country – we’re ABLE to hold different opinions and still coexist. That’s freedom.
2. Stand & place right hand over heart during the Pledge of Allegiance & the national anthem.
One of America’s most basic signs of patriotism. Maybe one of the most important items in any Young Citizen’s Guide to Modern Patriotism. We can’t be the generation that lets these respectful gestures die.
3. Vote.
In the national elections, in your state elections, in your community elections. USE YOUR VOICE! I can’t emphasize this one enough. Elections are an opportunity for “we the people” to be heard, yet a growing trend is to disregard casting a vote. I’ve heard some say, “My one vote doesn’t matter anyway.” To that I’d ask, “How can you know that for sure? What if your one vote was enough? And either way, isn’t it your duty as a citizen to implement the political voice you’ve been given?” Voting matters.
4. Support & respect veterans.
Consider their sacrifices and the stories you may never hear. Respect them as a veteran – it takes no time, barely any effort, and often gives humility.
5. Display the flag correctly.
This may require looking up proper flag etiquette. There’s a lot about proper flag displaying that I didn’t know until college! But these little extra steps take such little time and show true respect for your nation and your armed forces. To help out, here are a couple resources I’ve found:
Rules for Flag Etiquette: https://www.vfw.org/Flag/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=vfw-flags&gclid=CjwKCAjwwo-WBhAMEiwAV4dyba5A2Byq12m3j18V8YaCdIrz662_EO0OpmWgyEas28eGNf6c-reW1xoCSiYQAvD_BwE
Pics of how to display the flag with other nation’s/organization’s flags (I like this one!): https://www.aflag.com/flag-etiquette/
6. Take care of your local community.
Pick up trash in the park, volunteer time where you can. If there’s a new small business in town, share their posts on Facebook. Your community is YOUR little piece of the nation; give back to it when possible (and go vote!).
7. Know our basic freedoms & branches of government.
This is not only important to be an informed voter, but this kind of stuff comes up all the time in daily conversations. Know the structure of the American government, know our history, and know the Constitution. It’s not wasted knowledge.
8. Separate “political affiliation” from “patriotism;” they’re two totally different concepts.
Patriotism isn’t about who you agree with or who you think should lead. It’s about the nation as a whole. It’s so easy for the two concepts to seem interchangeable, but they couldn’t be more different. Political leaders are temporary and ever-changing; patriotism, however, is a unifying concept worth striving for.
9. Pray for our country.
We pray for anything else that matters to us; why stop here? We pray for any other situations in life that feel bigger than us; why stop at national issues? It sounds cliché, but they’re truly not too big for God.
The cool thing about this list? Americans of any age could accomplish multiple of these! While voting and certain community activities are age-restricted, it’s never too early to start maintaining a sense of patriotism. It starts with YOU, the individual. Parents, it starts with YOU modeling these behaviors and mindsets for your children. Patriotism is NOT dead, and we will not be the generation that lets it fade. By staying informed and practicing these daily habits, we can become well-rounded American citizens. It’s a cause that matters – a cause worth defending.
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – President Abraham Lincoln
Quotes about American Patriotism (56 quotes) (quotemaster.org)
Like what you’ve read in my Young Citizen’s Guide to Modern Patriotism? Check out other articles in my Mentality category and Lifestyle category. You won’t want to miss them!
One response to “The Young Citizen’s Guide to Modern Patriotism”
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. Theres no doubt that that you should write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people dont talk about these topics. To the next! Best wishes!!