Does Patriotism Matter?

Does patriotism still matter? It is a question that many people are still trying to answer. Some say yes and some say no. It is a matter of what you think and what you believe in. I see. I think. I believe.

Patriotism is a love or devotion to one's own country. I believe in patriotism because I'm an American, not an "Englishman". Have you heard of the Revolutionary War? Do you know what the war was fought for? If you haven't heard of the war, it was fought because the New Land (America) wanted freedom from England. If we never fought in the war we would be an England citizen right now. We'd be bigger than England itself! In the past, we would have had to pay taxes on everything and would be forced to be part a certain religion, England’s religion. We’d talk with an English accent.

Thankfully, men and women were courageous enough that they would fight for us and America. In all the wars, America wouldn’t have survived if wasn’t for these brave people. Often, they would leave comfort, friends and family behind to go fight for our freedom. Many never came back and those who did, didn't get the credit they deserved. Hopefully that will change because somewhat recently, they actually had a ceremony for World War 2 veterans.

Also, many songs are recognizing America or her veterans in some sort of way, just like Zac Brown Band's Chicken Fried. Some of the lyrics are, "I thank God for my life, and for the stars and stripes. May freedom forever fly, let it rinng. Salute the ones who've died. And the ones that gave their lives so we don`t have to sacrifice, the things we love."

Patriotism is the reason we have a thriving country. We are free from all other countries so we can grow and do things that many other countries can’t, or won’t, do. We have different religions, different climates, accents, and music! We are a country that has many different cultures.

Now think of what it would be like if we didn’t have patriotism. We would be a country of chaos. We would probably still have slaves and servants, which could have been you. We wouldn’t have some of the movies we have. We never had the Wild West and we probably wouldn’t be as developed as we are now with technology and such.

So the next time you put your hand to your heart and recite the pledge of allegiance, think of why you are saying it and what it means to you as a person. Those veterans deserve your respect. Patriotism is important from wars to traveling from country to country. Patriotism is important. I think it and I believe it.