“Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue” – Chester Nimitz
I believe in Patriotism. A devotion to your country so deep, that even death cannot deter you. It’s an unselfishness that ensures further generations enjoy the same rights that we have today.
I believe that among patriotism, the backbone of this countries greatness came from placing God first. “One Nation under God” is heard in our pledge of allegiance. “In God We Trust” is engraved on our currency. I believe that going away from this countries foundation will only lead us down the wrong path.
Patriotism fueled our history, molding the country into what it is today. Freedom is the bi-product of patriotism. Everybody loves their freedom but often take it for granted. I know that freedom is not free. Freedom is paid for with the blood of our sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters, those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis is tattooed on my arm; but it is engraved in my heart. It is the Marine Corps motto meaning “Always Faithful.” I will remain, “Always Faithful,” to my God, my Country, and my Corps. Even though I am currently out of the armed forces, I would not hesitate to take up arms against any enemy, “foreign or domestic.”
One may ask, do you have to physically fight to be a patriot. I would say no. There are many different levels of patriotism. One of which is verbal patriotism. To defend the foundation of the country when others undermine it. Both forms of patriotism take courage. The courage to stand up for what you know is right.
I was not always a patriot. My patriotism stemmed from the attack on September 11th 2001, and was initially forged in the flame of anger. At nineteen years of age I watched in horror as a foreign enemy made a calculated and brutal assault on American soil. In this attack thousands of innocent civilian lives were claimed. Our way of life had been violated.
Much like the time that Pearl Harbor was attacked, our nation was devastated. We did not waiver then, as we don’t now. Instead we rallied behind a rise of patriotism. You could not drive down a single street without seeing a flag hanging from a building or vehicle. An attack that was designed to rip the Nation apart ended up unifying us stronger than before. The red white and blue that swarmed the streets spoke to my soul. Weeks later, college was put on stand bye. Like the patriots before me, I was to defend our way of life at whatever cost.
I believe in patriotism. Patriotism allowed me to grow up in a country of freedom, and filled with opportunities. A country where your dreams can be fulfilled as long as you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and work. A country that’s “One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” This is why I believe in patriotism.