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As we celebrate Patriot Day on this fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, it is altogether fitting that we take a few moments to carefully reflect on our patriotism.
Our history has been a long journey fraught with differences, divisions, challenges and conflicts along the way. Throughout it all, we have joined together as Americans, no matter how our views may have differed, and we have always persevered. Our patriotism—-our love for our country and our ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all--has always kept us strong, united, and free.
In the aftermath of September 11th, Americans joined together in the greatest outpouring of love, compassion, and support that we have seen in modern times. We cried and mourned together. We united behind our President and our military. The American flag waved proudly at homes and businesses. We displayed red, white, and blue stickers on our cars. Red, white, and blue ribbons and American flag pins were on our lapels and jackets. We honoured heroes whose acts of bravery and selflessness made a difference that day.
Unfortunately, as time has passed, the small displays of patriotism have slowly disappeared. In a larger sense, however, we cannot define patriotism just by displays of ribbons or by simply saying patriotism is love of one’s country. Rather, we must consider the concept of “America.”
Fifty years ago, the youth of America were instilled with a keen understanding of patriotism. They learned this from a relative who fought in World War II or Korea, from their friend who lost a brother, from the town hero, or from their teachers. They learned that patriotic Americans appreciate their freedoms and have the courage to defend them against threats that may arise. They learned that we are the protectors of the ideals of liberty, justice, and rights of the people.
Today, there are billions of people throughout the world who live in poverty and oppression. These people look to America—-the land of the free, the shining city on a hill—-as a beacon that offers hope of a better way of life. They see opportunity in America—opportunity to live, work, prosper, build a life and family, vote, and have rights. Our forefathers came here for some of those very same reasons.
As the world’s sole superpower, America has become the de facto guardian of freedom and democracy throughout the world. We seek to defend and protect our freedoms and our rights, and those of others, when they are challenged. But we must be humble, recognizing that ours is the envy of the world and that we are fortunate that God has blessed us with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we must sympathize with those who strive to be a part of the greatness of America—-those who yearn for freedom and a new way of life. We can take satisfaction from those who, with our help, do get to know the greatness of America and whose contributions here help to make America stronger. But in doing this, we must not allow our identity as America to be corroded. If we forget who we are, we erode the greatness of America that has been built over the generations and that has come at great cost. Let us preserve and protect this.
Despite the many risks in the world, the hope of America is as bright today as ever. We should be proud of what America stands for, and we should be grateful that we have the privileges that America offers. So long as we are united, so long as we always remember what America stands for, so long as we never stop loving our country, so long as we never sacrifice our rights, so long as we will always be willing to defend our freedom, so long as we don’t forget who we are, so long as we have courage to confront the challenges, we shall know, in our hearts, the greatness of America and patriotism. Just knowing is enough. Lest we forget. Patriotism.
