Merriam Webster defines patriotism as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” When I think of patriotism, I think of my husband, a soldier in the US Army, and how hard he works to be the best he can be at his job.
He wakes up every day, puts on his uniform, straps on his boots, and reports for another day. While he has had his fair share of “exciting” days throughout his nine years of service, some, if not most (to him), seem mundane. That very fact screams “patriotism” to me. The fact that he could be halfway across the world, away from his family, “doing what he does,” and to him it is just another day.
One of the things I love the most about him is how passionate he is about his job, and his desire to keep others safe. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “true patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood, and good will, and a constant striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.”
I will forever be thankful for our service men and women who are willing to risk their lives every day for just that!
Comments