Patriotism
Felix Frankfurter, a United States Supreme Court Justice Associate once said, "We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long, that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish The Bill of Rights."
Why do I feel like a patriot? Our freedom I take seriously because freedom is not free. I have been an American Legion Junior Auxiliary member since I was born. My father is an Army veteran, one grandfather is an Air Force veteran and another is an Army veteran. My great grandfathers and my great grandmother were all veterans too from WWII. I think it is a privilege to be able to say the “Pledge of Allegiance” and sing “God Bless America” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” when I want to.
Have you ever thought about how and why we have so many freedoms in this country? Have you ever seen a soldier or a veteran and stopped them to say “thank you?” Now, just take a minute and picture our country without freedom. Imagine, no freedom of speech, religion, no choices on where you live, what you will do for a living and living in fear you may say the wrong thing and get arrested. What kind of a kind country would this be like? Would you want to raise children in this type of country?
As long as the American flag flies over this country symbolizing freedom and equality for men and women, we will be a symbol of hope for those without these rights.
American soldiers are willing to fight for our freedoms and to fight for others to have those freedoms. The freedoms of speech, religion, justice, equality, to bear arms, were bought and paid for by American soldiers who died for us in numerous conflicts and wars.
Patriotism is the ultimate sacrifice one can make. After all, how much more can a person give to a cause, other than his or her life? Not everyone has to, or is expected to die for the ideals of freedom. Veterans just ask that you respect and remember those who have died so you can be free, as well as those soldiers who stand ready at a moment's call to do so. Then in your own way, you will be doing your part of being a patriot
