True patriotism flourishes independent of tragedy

Of course we remember. Every American over the age of 15 remembers the moment he or she heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Towers, and the hours, day and weeks that followed. Yes, we remember.

Flags shot up in every house on the block. It united the country like it hadn’t been united in decades. People weren’t jaded and cynical about their government – no, they were proud to be an American.

But, it didn’t last long. As soon as the footage stopped airing daily, it started to leave the mind of those not directly affected. The War on Terror again divided the liberals from the conservatives – the Bush supporters from the non-supporters. And unfortunately, the world – which stood behind us from the morning of Sept. 11 – began to again pull away the country.

The secret is that the feeling hasn’t actually left us. Christmas, tax forms, school, work, family, everything instead got in the way. A few weeks ago, I read a story about Sept. 11, and I’ll tell you, I wasn’t halfway through it before I was bawling. Today I sat in a room of about 60 or so Oklahoma adults, watching a video slideshow full of photos of soldiers and American flags. There was no mention of 9/11 or photos of the attacks, but after the three-minute video ended, I looked around to see almost everyone wiping tears from their eyes. Patriotism still lies deep within us.

So, why get so emotional? Many of us didn’t know anyone who has died overseas, so it wasn’t from a personal loss. We cried because deep down, we love the United States. We love the country for everything it stands for. And most of all, because we are so grateful for the young men and women fighting overseas and those who have died to gain and maintain our freedom. Whether or not you feel like we should be in war, you should whole-heartedly support our troops and the sacrifices their making.

Salute your flag every chance you get. Remind yourself why you choose to live here and remember those lost. Do it every day -- not just on national holidays or each year on July 4 and Sept. 11. Be proud to be an American. God Bless the USA.



Note: This isn't the video I referenced in the post. I looked for it because it was so heart breaking and heart warming all at the same time, but I couldn't find it. This is a substitute.