I believe I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, I am very patriotic. I love patriotic songs. The patriotic holidays are some of my favorites. I have the utmost respect for our country, our flag, and the incredible people willing to sacrifice their lives to protect the freedoms of everyone living in this country. And I don’t mean just the Americans either. I mean EVERYONE living in his country.
I believe patriotism is in my blood. Why? Well, because “Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland.”(en.widipedia.org) That’s how I feel. Despite the flaws, I love this country. I feel a sense of devotion to the homeland that I have grown very attached to. I consider myself lucky to be living in this great nation.
I recently read a blog post about a significant battle during the American Civil War. The very last two sentences of that post really touched me. Here they are: ” . . . the deeds of valor by the soldiers both blue and gray are still remembered so many years later. It is only fitting that we do this, as these brave men earned the right to be remembered.” Earned the right.
Here’s the entire post if you wish to read it:
Because I have patriotism in my blood, I feel tremendous gratitude to the soliders who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation that I love. The men and women who are willing to forsake their friends and family to fight for our freedoms. The ones who fight to protect our way of life. The ones who protect the world from evil. We owe them. We owe them a lot. “. . . these brave men (and women) earned the right to be remembered.”
So, on this secular holiday, as we head out to the beach, the lake, the park for BBQ’s and picnics with our loved ones, let’s not forget the brave servicemen and women who will never enjoy these things again, but willingly offered themselves up so that we can.
My friend Al wrote a lovely poem honoring the fallen. I hope you’ll click on the link below and read his beautiful words.
https://thecvillean.org/2019/05/26/to-honor-the-fallen/
How about you readers, how are you spending this holiday Monday? Do you feel patriotic? What’s your most memorable moment involving a fallen soldier? I’d love to hear your stories.
Word of the day: Nugatory
Fun fact about me: I know all the words to a lot of patriotic songs.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, May 2019. Images by Unsplash, Google Images and giphy.
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I’m flattered that you linked to my poem, Patricia. As I woke up yesterday morning those words were swimming around in my head so I went straight for the computer. Thank you also for your beautiful tribute to these fallen men and women.
I loved your comment: “Despite the flaws, I love this country. I feel a sense of devotion to the homeland that I have grown very attached to. I consider myself lucky to be living in this great nation.” It touched my heart. I suffer great angst when I hear people, especially politicians, tearing this country down at the same time they are benefitting from the liberty and bounty it provides them.
I think we are kindred spirits. Have a blessed day.
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Al, I believe we may indeed by kindred spirits. I also hate those people who feel the need to complain about this country yet draw monthly benefits from it at the same time. It can’t be both way people. Well, it shouldn’t anyway. I guess that’s part of the beauty of living in America, we have the RIGHT to complain. (Sheesh)
Thanks for visiting today.
Patricia
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What a lovely poem by Al. I think it’s important to remember the people who fight for our freedom and those who fell defending it. It’s something that is taken for granted so often.
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It is indeed taken for granted. I think if something doesn’t directly affect us we don’t pay any attention to it. But, we all should pay attention.
Thanks for visiting today. Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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