As I began to consider what patriotism means to me, I started by watching the movie,  “The Patriot” and researching on-line. According to the Google Web Definition, patriotism is the “love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.”  After watching the movie, I believe that each person has some type of patriotism. To me it means that you love, care, act, and support our country.

When many are ready to retreat, but we carry the flag bravely forward to represent our country, this is patriotism. When people tend to the sick or wounded it shows they care. The time people give toward their country is also patriotism.

National parks have memorials set up to honor those who fought in wars or gave their lives for our country. These memorials are to remind us of the those who died for the safety and protection of our country. We honor and thank the people who did this for us. Because I live in the Flight 93 area, even though I was very young when the tragedy happened, I understand that patriotism is one’s love towards our country. The people that died on Flight 93 showed their patriotism towards our country by giving their lives. The people that helped provide food for the volunteers, clean up and offered houses for the family members shows patriotism, because they cared enough to act.

My school has an assembly on Veterans Day instead of having a day off because they believe that you can learn more about veterans that way. The veterans who come to the assembly tell us how they gave up their safety, family, friends, and accommodations to fight for us. We learn about patriotism in this way.

Finally, when groups pray around flagpoles or honor God’s commands, this ultimately is an act of patriotism. They are passionately praying for our country’s leaders, citizens, and safety. Patriotism continues and is as important today as it ever was in history.

- Written by Madison Trent