Patriotism 101

Recently there was an event that took place in Caldwell County that brought the subject of patriotism to mind. Defining it can be difficult but hopefully in a couple of paragraphs you will know my definition. If not my next reading material will be concerning persuasive speaking.

A few weeks ago it was announced that three busloads of wounded warriors would be coming through Caldwell County, making a brief stop, and continuing on to Port O'Connor, Texas for a fishing trip that had been organized for them. The fishing trip sounded like a nice thing to do for these guys and gals but I really didn't understand why they were stopping in Lockhart. Well the people of Lockhart turned out, including the high school band, ROTC, and drill team as well as every politician that could claw there way to the parking lot of Kruez Market. It was an all out effort to show our "support of the troops" and I think the folks of Caldwell County did a pretty good job.

Is that patriotism?

May 18th was Armed Forces Day. I saw any number of posts on Facebook reminding us of that fact but saw very little else being done to recognize our currently serving military men and women. Can a comment or two on Facebook thanking our military for all they do be defined as patriotism?

Memorial Day will be observed on May 27th this year and many observances will be held around the country. While probably 70% of the population will have a holiday on that day probably fewer than 10% will attend any kind of recognition of these men and women who died for our country. Their sacrifices made what we have possible.

Is that patriotism?

The answer to all of the above, in my opinion, is HELL NO!!!! Patriotism is not about a public display, a few hollow words on a social media site, or solemn ceremonies that few attend. Patriotism is about loving your country and fighting to preserve the precepts on which it was founded. And that fight belongs to each and every citizen of this country, not just those that wear the uniform!

Here are a few characteristics of a patriot as I see it. First and foremost, involvement in the process. That means V-O-T-I-N-G! It is appalling to see elections that are decided by less than 20% of the registered voters. We are a representative republic which means the people we elect represent all of us. Isn't it pathetic that less than 1/5th of us make that decision for all of us? True patriots educate themselves and go to the polls!

Answering the call to duty is an obvious sign of patriotism. While most people would assume I mean serving in the military I am really thinking much more broadly. During WWII the vast majority of people serving in the military were young men. Even today the military is male dominated. But I submit that those women that became "Rosie The Riveter" in the factories during the war were just as patriotic as the men on the front line. They were doing their part to contribute to the ultimate victory. While the men fought in foreign lands the women and children endured rationing and separation and hardship at home. Sharing the sacrifice is something we all do as patriots. There really is a lot we could learn from that generation!

Finally, holding those that lead us accountable! Politicians will try to get away with all they can. The founding fathers always intended to have a citizen legislature where our representatives return to their lives and careers after a short period of public service. Unfortunately our government has evolved into a cadre of professional politicians that have done very little in life but working for the government. And this is on all level of politics! Our current representation is due for a major turnover and it is our job as patriots to do that when they are not service our country's best interest.

So on Monday, May 27th, when you are enjoying your day off from work, I ask that you do remember those patriots that made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Some were drafted, most volunteered, but all answered the call to duty that ended their lives. Their futures ended on the beaches at Normandy, in the middle of the oceans, or any of other countless foreign battlefields on which we have engaged. Their patriotism makes our holiday and everything else we hold dear in this country possible! The least we can do is step up to the plate to preserve the country for the future generations!