Photo by Nicolette Leonie Villavicencio
Beyond the flag-waving, many people want to show their patriotism in more heartfelt ways.
All humanity loves their country, and every day is the best time they can show their love for the country through action. No matter what political beliefs you have, maybe now is the best time to start focusing on what each of you can do for the Philippines so that you can move forward to achieve progress faster. Your country is blessed because whatever problems and calamities you encounter, you always manage to stand up and move forward.
It has been more than two hundred years since the American nation commenced this revolutionary experiment in government, and people are still working on upgrading it.
July 4th is the day to wave the Stars and Stripes, honor the sacrifice of those who fought and died, and pledge your allegiance to this great nation.
5 Ways to Show Your Patriotism
You love your country. Why? Not because it is always great—or even good—but because it is your home. Its citizens are your neighbors. It is your national family. As with any family, you love your family means knowing your family. And yes, that means telling your entire story, the bad, the good, and the ugly. It means hearing from critics and admirers alike.
Here are a few ways to show your patriotism:
1. Vote. One of the excellent ways to honor the principles upon which one’s nation was built is to vote. Volunteer to work the polls during the election, and you can see your system of government in action.
2. Serve on a jury. Jury duty may seem like a bother at times, but it is part of what makes this nation great.
3. Support a veteran. Do more than thank the veterans for their service. If you know a veteran of the Korean or Vietnam wars, or even World War II, do take some time to lend them a hand. Offer to take them to the pharmacy, mow their lawns, or send them a gift basket. Most would even appreciate a few minutes or days of quality conversation. If you do not know any nearby or distant veterans, call a nearby senior living or local Agency on Aging or assisted living community and ask how you can participate in their veteran’s 4th of July celebration. You can also read Grey Feathers: Led by Love of Country by Daniel Dewald. It is a story about the 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Division serving in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1967-1970. The story is derived from operation reports, battle scenes, magazine articles, interviews, and experience incurred in battle conditions. The book describes the events and shows how unselfish and brave the unit responded to overcome enemy advances. It also shows the difficulties of decision-making under fire. The pressures of battle forced quick decisions and movements. Each man earned their grey feather, which was a symbol of each being brave in adverse conditions. They all watch each other’s back and ensure that all hostilities are met honorably and with force.
4. Support our national parks. The National Park Service has continuously operated on a limited budget, and proposed budget cuts may worsen the situation. Staff, amenities, and hours may all be eliminated or reduced. Make it a point to visit your national parks.
5. Fly the Stars and Stripes correctly. The S. Flag Code has strict requirements for handling and displaying the flag. For example, if the flag is flying at night, it must be illuminated. While you are at it, why not help a veteran show their pride in one’s nation by assisting them in installing a flag display?
In Closing
To love your country is to crave to see it set off on its best version, to identify its failures, to recognize how humans have been concerned in allowing its worst to persist, to work together to make a community in which residents have all that they need — prosperity, love, food, shelter, health, peace — and are indeed treated as equals in every regard. So teach it all. Good and bad. Ugly and beautiful. Teach it all and understand that the greatest form of patriotism does not depend on cultivating a national narrative but on appreciating our obligations to one’s national home. History lessons should not be designed to create patriots. They should be designed to educate citizens—secure in the knowledge that well-educated citizens are most apt to learn to love their nation well.
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