Stressful Times Call for Unity and Patriotism

Did you ever think the United States of America could become this divided?

I have to admit, I did not. Some are saying the country has not been this fractured since the Civil War.

Even when it comes to crucial issues where it seems like Americans should see eye to eye, there is division. Such as dealing with a deadly pandemic and civil unrest.

There is so much fighting between those on the right and those on the left that we can’t seem to get anything done. And other nations are laughing at us.

No apologies for love of country

This is a time for unity, not division. This is a time for recognizing common enemies. And battling them together. It’s also a time for recognizing common goals. And achieving them through cooperation.

While unity is our goal, we don’t want to compromise our values. We won’t apologize for loving our country.

Despite all the problems our nation is facing right now, many of us stand together as proud Americans. We’re not embarrassed or afraid to call ourselves patriots.

Personally, I’m proud to work for a company that has “Patriots” in its name. Maybe that’s one of the things that led you to connect with us.

Revisit American history

Now, it’s one thing to claim we’re patriotic. It’s another to demonstrate it. Today I’d like to discuss specific ways we can show our love for America and its values.

One is to learn as much as we can about our country’s history. Most of us were taught the basics and perhaps much more in grade school.

But it wouldn’t hurt to revisit some of those history lessons. Reading about how our nation began and developed into a superpower serves to fill us with pride.

America has made some mistakes along the way. We’re not proud of them. But we’re pleased with the resolve we’ve shown to correct them. And we’re hopeful of continuing on that path.

Vote in every election

A second way to exhibit our patriotism is to vote. And not only every four years in the presidential election. But every time there is a chance to make our voices heard at the ballot box.

Yes, voting is a right that Americans who came before us fought and died for. But it’s also a civic duty.

This goes all the way back to the founding of our country. The colonists were upset that they were being taxed by those they did not elect.

There are people in a number of countries around the world who aren’t allowed to vote. They’re jealous of our voting rights. Let’s not let those rights go unused.

Support the U.S. military

Supporting our veterans and active-duty troops is a third way to show your patriotism.

There are many ways you can do this. One is by giving financial gifts to non-profit organizations supporting U.S. military members and their families.

Another is by making clothing and other donations to those groups that help out vets. And which send care packages to our troops overseas.

Still another is by supporting businesses that donate a portion of their profits to organizations that benefit our troops and vets.

Fly Old Glory proudly

Many of us fly the American flag outside our homes on special occasions. Such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Others fly it 365 days of the year. (Make that 366 days this year.) Whatever you’re comfortable with, flying Old Glory is a fourth way to demonstrate patriotism.

There is no more important symbol of freedom and liberty. Some folks even have a flagpole in their yard and rarely take their flag down.

Just keep in mind there are rules about how to honor the Stars and Stripes. For example, it should not be flown after dusk unless it’s illuminated.

Teach kids about patriotism

A fifth way to show your love for America can have even more far-reaching effects than any of the things I’ve mentioned so far.

And that’s teaching your children and grandchildren what patriotism means. And how to demonstrate it. Don’t assume their schools will do this for them.

Most of what they will learn about patriotism from you will come through observation. You won’t have to say anything. Just be patriotic and they’ll get it.

But there are some specific actions you can take to help the process along. For example, teach them the Pledge of Allegiance and explain what it means. Show them how to behave while the National Anthem is being played.

Make sure they understand the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Teach them how our government is supposed to work. And instruct them about their responsibilities as U.S. citizens.

America is experiencing tremendous upheaval right now. I’m confident we’ll get through it, but there will be more bumps in the road.

By showing our patriotism in a variety of ways, we’ll prove that America and its values are worth the fight.