It’s the second Monday of the month and that means a new Ripples in the Inkwell post! Even though here in the U.S. we’ve already celebrated Independence Day with fireworks and barbecues, it’s never a bad time to talk about patriotism. And that’s what Kai Strand, Mary Waibel, and I talking about for our July theme. We’d love to read your posts on the theme; find out how to play along with the monthly meme HERE. And be sure to stop by Kai’s and Mary’s blogs to check out their posts.
I can’t say I’m a particularly patriotic person in the sense I think it has come to mean for some people. That is I don’t fly an American flag out in front of my house or on my car and I don’t dress myself and my kids in red, white, & blue or make themed desserts for flag day or the fourth of July. (Not that there’s anything wrong with doing these things!)
I do vote in every single election; I write letters to my elected officials (local and national) on matters that I feel strongly about; I pay attention to what is going on in my country and stay informed (from reliable sources); and I do love my country (even when I’m terribly frustrated by it). I believe in the principles my country was founded on, even if they were created by flawed people and even though they aren’t always executed in a manner in which I agree.
For me patriotism is about fighting for what you think is best for your country, even if that’s maybe not the popular sentiment. And no, I don’t fight like soldiers do for their country, but I try and stand for what I believe in and voice that opinion in my own small way.
What does patriotism mean to you? And do you consider yourself a patriot?
Katie:
We do the flag flying thing, and in the past I’ve been known to wear red, white, and blue on the 4th (or Memorial Day), and make a themed dessert. 🙂
Lately, I’ve just been happy to get together with friends and family on the holiday and celebrate our freedoms together. This year we had quite an interesting discussion about politics and race with our neighbor.
With a nephew currently serving, and two brothers, a father, and a father-in-law who served in the past, remembering the sacrifices of those that served are important to me. And I can see the importance reflected in the actions of my son.
Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. I think it’s great that you write your officials and vote and keep up with the news. Those little things can make a difference.
I have so much love and respect for military families. It takes a very special kind of patriotism to risk your life for your country.
The holidays (no matter what the specific occasion) are always about family to me, too. Any excuse for us to get together is a good one.
I’m a flag flying patriot too. The only season the American flag isn’t in front of our house is winter. Like you, I believe in the fundamentals this country was founded on and don’t always agree with how they are enacted or interpreted. I vote and I have contacted a representative and senator or two, but not as often as I probably should.
I hope we hear from some of your international readers about their patriotism!
Oh, I’d love to hear from some of my international readers as well about what patriotism means to them. Thanks for popping in, Kai, and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
I think patriotism means different things to different people, but I too try to honor America and what she stands for, even though I don’t agree with everything that goes on. I can show my support and hope that others will too.
Thanks for popping in, Beverly! So thrilled to see that you dropped an ripple on your blog again this month.
As a citizen of two countries, both of which I love (but home is where I chose to live and raise a family, the U.S.A.) I always subscribe to “My country– right or wrong” and not to “my country is never wrong.” Both my countries have plenty of wrongs.
Real love is not blind.
Very interesting perspective, Mirka. I agree about the right or wrong.