My friend Ethel raised this question in a very thoughtful post on her blog. And I've been thinking about what my answer would be.
When I grew up on the east coast, we studied early American history a lot. I heard so much about the patriots in the Revolutionary War. And I remember thinking that there was something very different about Americans back then—the stories I read gave me the distinct impression that the colonies' freedom was constantly on the minds of everyone who lived then. It might not have been true, but my definition of patriotism stemmed from that: one who exhibits their love of our nation's freedoms with active participation. The willingness to fight, to sacrifice, to pay, to give up comfort, so that our freedoms remain intact.
The word "patriot" is used today in different ways. (Sorry if I get a little political here, but it's my chance to vent, so I am.) We have debates about flag pins, and whether or not wearing one makes you a patriot. We have the Patriot Act, a law that gave up freedoms that have long been fought for by generations ahead of us. And all around I see people who stick yellow ribbons on their cars saying they support the troops, and yet what does the average American do for our military besides pay taxes (which there is little choice in doing)? Are there active things that the average citizen takes on personally to act out their love of our nation and our freedoms? Is patriotism really patriotism if it's only a display of red, white, and blue, or the practice of pledging allegiance to the flag? Can a nation with such small participation in elections claim the widespread patriotism that we do?
I had not claimed to be patriotic myself for most of my life, because I knew I wasn't doing a thing to stand up for freedom. The most I did was follow politics and vote. Oh, and gripe. I am really experienced at griping. But I didn't put out bumperstickers, or wear patriotic tshirts, or do any flag-waving; it seemed duplicitous to me to pretend to be a patriot when I knew better. I didn't want to exhibit a love of my country that was only bumper-sticker or lapel-pin deep.
Thus, my surprise, when sending the cards to our heroes started. I had merely raised a question, wondering where I could send all the extra cards I was making. And one person on the message board chimed in from Baghdad, and I sent one box. Which turned into another. And another. And I realised that I could do something that would matter. I could be a patriot, and have a tangible way to show my support. It's not at the "level" of patriotism of our nation's service members —I'm way too chicken to join the military—but it's what I can do. I can support them, in a way that takes me out of my comfort zone, and gives them the ability to stand up for freedom with a little comfort from home. And in the last year of moving forward with Cards for Heroes, my heart and perspective have been entirely transformed. I now have a flag outside my home. I own three (count 'em 3) patriotic tshirts. And I can display a bumper sticker without feeling duplicitous anymore.
So what can you do that takes your patriotism a step further? Check out organizations that you can get involved with. Vets groups. Military families support groups. Find out what's going on in your community, and get involved. You'd be surprised how you can get involved in are actually going to use skills and interests you already have. Sew quilts for wounded service members. Read books to children of deployed service members. Fix a car for the wife of a sailor at sea. Write a letter to a lonely soldier. Do something.
Flag Day is coming up next Saturday. So put out your flag, wear your red white and blue. But do something a little more. Step out.
(And if you're in the Seattle area, there's a cardmaking party at Impress in Tukwila at 2pm—leave me a comment if you need details!)
Read more...
