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Patriotism is the pride one takes in his or her community. It does not have to be affiliated with a particular religious or political ideology. That is to say that because someone chooses not to practice organized religion or politics, does not mean that they are "unpatriotic". The love and respect of one's neighborhood, community and country need not be organized at all.
I have known many individuals who care deeply for the land they were born in, but have never once stepped inside a voting booth or confessional box. They do, however, contribute in many ways and on many levels in providing for the welfare of the towns and country they live in. These contributions span everything from volunteer work at the local boys and girls clubs their kids attend, to the charitable contributions they make involving everything from PBS to global organizations such as Amnesty International.
Patriotism requires a much more personal level of commitment. It’s not just about the wars that were fought for this country, or the candidate which represents our segment of the world- it’s about us. It’s the direct action we take in the communities we live in. It is the actual time we invest in the neighborhoods we live and work in, and the energy we invest in protecting the children we bring into our society. It’s the resources we provide for them. It’s the libraries, outreach centers and parks. It’s the places we create for our children to bond and cherish one another.
The citizenship we practice depends, ultimately, on the value systems we embrace. The respect we show one another results from the respect we show ourselves. It leads to the accountability we feel, both in our work and home lives. The choices we make determine the type of citizenship our children will practice, and also the amount of patriotism they will feel and generate to others as they make their way in the world. Lets remember that the hope and dreams that design the paths they will carve begin with us.
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