Nothing stirs my emotions quite like the first notes of our national anthem. Within those melodies, I sense the history of America—its beauty and its flaws, woven together in a tapestry that reflects my love for this country. I firmly believe that those who choose to kneel during the anthem are just as patriotic as those who stand.
As someone who identifies as a “liberal” and a “proud American,” I reject the notion that the Republican party holds a monopoly on patriotism. Just because right-wing supporters wave gigantic flags doesn’t mean their love for America surpasses mine.
Am I often frustrated with our nation? Absolutely—especially after the tumultuous events of the past four years. The chaos of the recent administration and the nail-biting closeness of the last election leave me feeling disheartened. However, that disappointment doesn’t diminish my love for my country, much like how I feel about my children when they stray from the right path. I still love them fiercely and remain proud of them, even when they falter.
I long for a better America, and we desperately need it. But as we dismantle outdated systems and construct new ones, we must also honor those who have bravely risked their lives to protect our freedoms.
My grandfather, Robert Collins, served in World War I. At ninety, he recounted his harrowing experience on the frontlines of the Battle of St. Mihiel:
“This is an anniversary of sorts; important to no one but me. On this night in 1918, the 77th Field Artillery had just completed a grueling 33-hour march to reach our position on the battle line at St. Mihiel, France. We marched day and night, until around 4 a.m., when we finally settled for a brief rest. The rest of that night was spent lying on a pile of brush, drenched by the famous French rain. At dawn, we were ordered to set our guns and begin transporting ammunition. By nightfall, we were ready to fire our first shots. When the command to commence firing sounded, the noise was indescribable—‘all hell broke loose.’ Hundreds of guns thundered together, a cacophony that continued throughout the night. Now, as I sit here in my family room, the sounds seem like a distant dream.”
As I absorb his words, I can’t help but marvel at the horrors he faced, beginning with that relentless march. His experience is not isolated; it mirrors the struggles of countless soldiers who fought for a cause they believed in. I refuse to let anyone diminish their sacrifices; patriotism is not the exclusive domain of any one group.
My family is filled with military veterans, including three uncles—one in the Navy and two in the Marines (one of whom made the ultimate sacrifice). I have two brothers-in-law who served in the Navy and Air Force, and my father-in-law spent six years in Vietnam. I take immense pride as the wife of an Air Force veteran. They all have stories to tell and have each been impacted in different ways. Although only one of them paid the highest price, they all willingly embraced the possibility of sacrifice, just as millions have throughout history.
I’m exhausted by the stereotype that only conservatives appreciate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. Veterans’ Day and other patriotic observances are not solely for the right wing. Just because we advocate for changes to make America truly inclusive—for everyone—does not make Democrats anti-American. The reality is far from that.
As writer Amanda Brooks articulated, “Many struggle to acknowledge our past mistakes while expressing their love for the country. This distortion leads to a selective memory, creating a fantasy-based patriotism. As a result, many view patriotism as a currency, reducing it to empty gestures. You accumulate more ‘patriot points’ by displaying symbols or claiming to stand for the flag while kneeling for faith.”
I refuse to let anyone dictate my pride in the veterans in my family or claim I don’t love my country simply because my interpretation of patriotism differs from theirs. The focus has shifted to symbolic displays, but true patriotism involves striving for a better America for all its citizens. It’s not found in a T-shirt adorned with a bald eagle or a MAGA hat. It lives in the voices of protestors, in grassroots efforts to dismantle racism, and in the fight for equitable distribution of resources.
Your bumper sticker or flag-themed profile picture doesn’t define your patriotism. Genuine love for our country and the hope for what it can become—despite the messy journey it takes to get there—embodies true patriotism.
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Summary:
This article discusses the multifaceted nature of patriotism, emphasizing that it is not solely the domain of one political party. The author expresses pride in their family’s military history and argues that love for one’s country can coexist with a desire for change. The piece highlights the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by servicemen and women while challenging the stereotype that only conservatives can define patriotism. True patriotism is rooted in the pursuit of a better America for everyone.