What Does Patriotism Mean to You?

J. C., February 1, 2021

When you think about patriotism and a patriotic spirit, what do you imagine? For many, it’s the image of a military service member or a first responder. For others, it’s red, white and blue colors or the image of an American flag. For still more, it’s a feeling—the kind that comes from backyard BBQs or the sounds of a baseball game on a summer afternoon.

Patriotism is a term that has many meanings and might mean something different to each individual. What many American citizens have in common is the importance this term holds no matter what personal meaning it may have. That is to say, you might not agree on what patriotism looks like, but we can all agree about how it makes us feel.

Here are some of the ways patriotism is viewed by American citizens and put into motion in everyday life.

Being Proud of Being an American

If you’re patriotic, you are proud to be an American citizen. You respect this country and all that it stands for, including the opportunities it provides to its citizens. Patriotism is often viewed by individuals as American pride and doing things for the good of this country. If you love living in America and enjoy all of the freedoms that come with your citizenship, you embody what it means to be patriotic.

Helping Our Neighbors

Being patriotic also means helping our neighbors. It doesn’t matter if you are close friends or simply share a wave and friendly greeting now and again. Showing patriotism means caring for others in this country, including those right around the corner from us. If you’re the type of person to lend a hand to someone in your community—especially in their time of need—you’re embodying what it means to be a patriot.

Serving as a Military Member or First Responder

Patriotism is doubly evident in individuals who not only feel patriotic in their daily lives, but who are military members protecting this country or first responders keeping the community safe. These individuals show patriotism in all they do daily to protect and serve their fellow citizens. What’s more patriotic than rushing into a burning building, delivering emergency medical care or standing tall in the face of danger to protect someone else?

Being an Honorable Citizen

Showing your patriotic values also means being an honorable citizen. Pursuing your daily life in an honorable, law-abiding manner shows that you care for this country and are respectful of being an American citizen. You want the best for this country and those who live here. Whether it’s going to the polls on voting day to cast your ballot or having the conscience to own up to your mistakes, being a good citizen means having respect for our patriotic culture.

Speaking Your Mind as an American Citizen

You can also show your patriotism by speaking your mind, supporting your country, and standing up for what’s right. As an American citizen, you can express your patriotic values by speaking your mind and wanting the best for this country. Freedom of speech is an important American right and by exercising it, you’ll embracing what it means to be a free citizen. Even if you don’t agree with someone else, voicing your opinion in healthy debate and communicating with them to find common ground is all part of being an American citizen.

Patriotism Stands for Many Things

Patriotism may be a common word that’s understood by many individuals, but the meaning is personal for each person who experiences it. The overall concept is that you show love for your country. However, each individual will express patriotism in their own way.

When we include this concept in our everyday life, we are acting for the benefit of our country and taking strides to be the best possible citizens we can be. No matter whether you show your patriotism by helping a neighbor or serving your community as a first responder, your patriotic spirit is alive and well—and sure to be appreciated.

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