As our nation honors 250 years of the United States Army’s heroic legacy, thousands gathered to celebrate the men and women who forged our freedom.
Our military has a profound impact on patriotism, and the way we view military service shapes how we perceive our country. When there’s a robust and dedicated military, with many citizens prepared to serve ultimately, it becomes a symbol of national strength and pride. Military service instills a sense of pride in our nation’s values and ideals. Looking ahead to the 250th anniversary of our nation, we’re reminded that preserving American spirit and patriotism is not merely a political duty but a cultural imperative.
Patriotism encompasses our attachment to history, culture, and fellow citizens. Yet today, many individuals reject their identity as Americans amidst the heat of identity politics, which prefers to highlight anything but America.
America faces a unique challenge in raising patriotic citizens because of its relatively short history compared to other nations. Alexis de Tocqueville noted this when he described two forms of patriotism: instinctive patriotism and reflective patriotism. Reflective patriotism is an appreciation of a nation’s laws and the rights it grants its citizens, born of active participation in the political process. The latter, which is especially prevalent in America, also advances the personal interests of its citizens. Through active participation in political processes, citizens can influence both the prosperity of their country and their own lives. Both forms of patriotism are important to establishing the health of a citizenry.
The ability to identify fellow citizens and engage communally in the political process is also essential to a deep sense of patriotism. If a state cannot identify who its citizens are and who they are not, its ability to govern is weakened, and conflicts of authority arise. If citizens cannot leverage their citizenship in relation to their state, their ability to exercise rights and freedoms is harmed. It is in both parties’ best interest to clearly define who is a citizen and who is not, along with the rights and privileges of each. In this way, a defined citizenry promotes patriotism.
The upcoming 250th anniversary of America offers a moment for reflection on the state of our patriotism. In the 250 years after the ideas and actions of our founding fathers, have we properly preserved their legacy and stewarded the responsibility of caring for our country and its citizens well? If our patriotism is lacking, how can we leverage this anniversary to reignite a profound love for our country, where we put our values and citizens first?
The crowds at the military parade this past June in Washington, DC offer just one indication that patriotism is on the rise. Thousands of American families gathered along the streets, with many veteran baseball caps or shirts on display. The day was about gratitude to those who fought for our rights in every phase of our military history, from George Washington’s army to the war on terror. More than 6,000 soldiers proudly marched down Constitution Avenue. It was a celebration of dedication, sacrifice, and service.
Various battle tanks, vehicles, and aircraft were on display, equipment most individuals would never see up close in their lifetimes. The size and power of the machinery help put into perspective the force behind our armed services. Each plays a unique role in battle and represents years of technological advances to adapt to our current needs. Events such as these educate spectators and foster a deeper understanding of military history.
America’s values are timeless and clearly not lost among the populace. But to truly revitalize our patriotism, we must go beyond appreciating these values to acting upon them, living in a way that reflects what matters most to us as Americans. From honoring our veterans to using our right to vote, we participate in the institutions that secure our freedoms. Consistent personal actions complement larger celebrations.
Love America well and teach others to do so by example. Patriotism is contagious if we recognize the importance of inspiring others not only by how we speak of America but also by how we engage in our political processes and civic life. Beyond stating we love our country, our actions must reflect the values we claim to hold dear.
The survival of the United States hinges on whether we can unite the people of our country to work towards common values with a sense of purpose. As Americans, we’re part of a movement much bigger than ourselves. As our nation approaches its 250th year, we owe it to our country to steward this responsibility well.
