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 Every true American has
felt it: that shudder of joy so vast it can
hardly be contained, that heart-pounding pride at
the sight of the American flag. It is a sense of
belonging to something greater than oneself, of
belonging to a great nation. It floods us as we
listen to the National Anthem with tears
stinging, throat choking, pride and triumph
welling up within. And although describing any
such great emotion is difficult, we embody this
feeling in one word: patriotism.Nathan Hale felt this
grand emotion when he declared his now famous
words, standing firm on the British gallows,
awaiting the wreath of death about his neck: I
only regret that I have but one life to lose for
my country! His loyal words ring loud and
fierce to this day, for such love transcends the
boundaries of physical reach. Patriotism is the
only power that allows us to encompass the amber
waves of grain and purple mountain majesties
which no human arms could embrace without.
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 Patriotism is born of
our passion and love for our country.
It makes us fear for her, defend her, sacrifice
for her.
It soars and bursts forth from us in a dazzling
show of fireworks, blazing trumpets, and marching
rhythms.When
some outside force looms threatening upon us,
we all become patriots. We unite and endure.
A patriot will
not accept defeat.
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 Patriotism keeps us
alive. It inspires us on the battlefield to fight
to the death. It challenges us, dares us to
strive for superiority, drives us on as the
Olympic torch flames, and commands us to achieve
the highest of achievements. Patriotism inspires
us to not only live in America, but to
live for America. As John Kennedy said,
"Ask not what your country can do for
you—ask what you can do for your
country."And so we have followed his words,
dedicated our lives to America because of that
omnipresent, vast force called patriotism. One
moment on the fields of Lexington and
Concord—celebrated on Patriot's
Day—changed the entire world. But each time
we shudder, feel our tears stinging and throats
choking at the sight of Old Glory soaring high,
we know Patriot's Day is every day. Patriotism
compels us to persevere, sustains our nation, and
ensures its success into eternity.
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| What is
a Patriot?  "I believe as a patriot
that I am responsible to be well informed
on how my government works and who the
people that represent me are. I believe
my grandfathers are patriots because they
risked their lives to fight for our
country. Any soldiers that trained for or
fought in a war are patriots.
It is a
privilege to live in the United States.
The flag and National Anthem represent
what we believe in. I believe that as a
good patriot it is my job to take care of
them.
We are
lucky to have the freedom of speech and
the right to practice any religion. There
are many laws and rules made by our
government, to obey them is to be a good
patriot. Being a patriot makes me feel
great and it is not hard to do at all."
Alden Neslon, Age 11
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Patriotism is
looking at the flag of the United States of
America, and seeing beyond the cloth, the colors
and seeing what our  Flag embodies.The Flag of the United
States of America represents freedom, truth,
honor, justice. All of the things this country
stands for and is based upon is depicted in one
symbol - our Flag.
Patriotism is
knowing the difference between freedom of
expression, art, and desecration of our Flag.
Patriotism is
looking at our Flag and seeing the faces of all
those who gave their lives to defend our way of
life.
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| Patriotism is
loving your country as you would love a family
member.  Patriotism is looking at
the American Flag and feeling part of something
greater than any one of us individually.
Patriotism is
knowing the Pledge of Allegiance, what it means,
and believing it.
Patriotism is
like having that feeling in your heart on
Independence Day all year round.
Patriotism is
being asked your nationality and proudly saying
that you are an American.
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Patriotism is knowing that the American
Dream still exists, and is attainable, but that
you will have to work hard to achieve it.
 Patriotism is going to
work and being a productive member of society.
Patriotism
is respecting the beliefs and interests of other
peoples while holding true to our own.
Patriotism
is giving back to your community, your country.
Patriotism
is respecting the will of the people, not the
special interests.
Patriotism
is exercising your right to vote, understanding
the platforms of the candidates, and making an
informed decision based on the good of all
Americans.
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| What is
a Patriot? "A patriot
is a person who loves and loyally
supports his country. Here are a couple
examples of patriots that support this
country. They include the presidents,
governors and office workers.
A patriotic person is someone who joins
the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or
the National Guard to support his country
by keeping enemies away and keeping the
people safe and free.
A
patriot is a server of our country’s
needs. Some patriots are people that have
been hurt from being shot or injured or
have blown off legs or arms. You may see
patriots in many parades. Especially on
Veterans Day.
Patriots
are people who show loyalty and respect
to our country. One way to show loyalty
and respect to the United States of
America is to stand up when the flag goes
by or when you sing “The Star
Spangled Banner.” You can also show
respect by removing your hat. In America,
saying the Pledge of Allegiance is
another way of showing respect.
I think
everyone should be respectful and kind in
our country. If everyone was a patriot we
would have a very proud and peaceful
country."
Robert
E. Berendt, Age 10
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 Patriotism does not mean we are
better than others, but it does mean we
are damn proud of what we have
accomplished in this country - and that
we have no intentions of giving it up.
Patriotism is having a desire
for peace on Earth, but realizing that
there are those on this Earth who would
do harm to us and we must protect/defend
ourselves from them.
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 Patriotism is understanding that
the freedoms we enjoy come with a price,
and if necessary, being willing to defend
it with your life.
Patriotism is appreciating The
United States Armed Forces not just
during times of war, and appreciating the
sacrifices they make to defend our way of
life during times of peace as well as
times of war.
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| Patriotism is
not nationalism; it is not a religion; it is not
politics; it is not an attachment to political
parties or political personalities. Patriotism is not
limited in time or space. It is not connected
with personal gain, or personal suffering.
 Patriotism is a feeling,
a sense of connectedness with and a love for,
something that is deeply your own.
Patriotism is a
sincere, indivisible and incorruptible dedication
to this great country we call home, the United
States of America. Patriotism is to have love for
our own stones, our mountains, our lakes and our
rivers — with all its dust, its dirt and its
cleanliness, with all its forests, meadows and
fertile fields, with its bridges, quays,
factories, schools and the places where the Gods
of its people dwell.
True patriotism
is a part of one's soul and one's conscience. It
is a belonging.
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