#4: Patriotism

I should specify, that in this series of "loves for my country", they aren't ranked in any particular order... they are all on the list, but please don't think that I love deodorant more than patriotism, it's simply the way the posts have fallen.

So several months ago (November, to be exact) I went to lunch with my Shorty (a.k.a my maternal 89 year old grandfather) on Veteran's Day. We went to Applebee's because they were giving Veterans a free meal that day, and my Shorty was a P-51 pilot in World War II. To me, this is a HUGE deal. I love everything about the 1940's, and frankly believe I may have been born in the wrong generation.

Anyways, while we were there, countless people questioned him, thanked him, and wanted to hear all about his time in the U.S. Air Corps. He was to bring his military I.D. to receive his free meal, but since he couldn't find it, he chose to bring a picture of he and my grandmother on their wedding day as he was in uniform and the picture was taken on the base. He proudly told the inquisitors of his time served, and showed off his beautiful bride to anyone who wanted to see. There are so few WWII Veterans left, that you could tell how impressed people were by him. They thanked him for his service, his sacrifice, his risks, his time, his energy... to which he politely replied with a shy "my pleasure".

Now, here's the thing... Shorty was in the war towards the end, because he was young. He wasn't a part of the draft, he freely elected to enlist because he wanted to serve his country. At 19, he didn't even meet the weight requirement to fly (he needed to be 120, but he was only 113 - I obviously don't take after his genetics) but the physician fudged his weight so he could get in to that cockpit.

I have a couple great uncles who were in the Battle of the Bulge, on the beaches of Normandy, one who was an officer directly under General MacArthur. While all of these examples pertain specifically to one war, they also are specific to a generation. A generation whose freedoms were directly attacked time and time again, but who would never retreat. Since that horrible war, there have been countless more, and just like my grandfather, there have been countless people who have freely chosen to enlist in our armed services to protect the freedoms and rights we hold dear, and often take for granted.

While again, patriotism is not specific to only America, the pride (some) Americans have for their beloved nation is enough to give me goosebumps. To hear the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, or to see the flag flown at half-staff in honor of tragedy reminds me of how deep patriotism runs. If I could individually thank every person who has sacrificed so that I may vote, travel, and worship as I desire, I would. In the meantime, I will continue to pray for them and for their loved ones, for the leadership of this country, and that those who want to hurt America will fail. I think Toby Keith says it best in his "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue"...

American Girls and American Guys
We'll always stand up and salute
We'll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There's a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way!