Merriam Webster defines patriotism as: love for or devotion to one's country. Does this define American Patriotism? No. Merriam Webster’s definition defines patriotism for a country like China, Russia, UK and most countries around the world. This is the type of patriotism you have where people love their country because it’s where they are from and that alone. It is also the definition of countries where if you despised or went against the regime you would cease to exist. This also represents patriotism for a monarchy like the UK or Saudi Arabia. These countries have dual devotion to “King and Country.” Both these examples show Merriam Webster’s definition of patriotism but not American Patriotism.
American Patriotism requires a few things. First off, it needs to be a choice. The right to both support or despise your country has to exist. It isn’t about the country alone. It is about individuals but not certain individuals like a King or Queen or President. It is about what the country represents. What the country was founded on. It’s also about the land where it resides. The communities it represents. The values it upholds. Without these things you cannot have American Patriotism.
Going back to Webster’s 1828 definition of patriotism we get a whole lot closer:
PATRIOTISM ,noun Love of one's country; the passion which aims to serve one's country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.
This definition of patriotism encapsulates American Patriotism so much better! American Patriotism is defending America from invasion knowing your neighbor is with you but the man you never met is fighting alongside you as well! It is protecting Americans’ rights! “Maintaining its laws and institutions” that uphold America’s founding values and doing so honestly and righteously! It is fighting for the right of the individual, not the collective. American Patriotism is fighting for your sons and daughters! It is sacrificing the self for your family, your neighbors’ family, and for God. It is not about the government or the “public servants.” It is about each and every American citizen. It is the land that we grew up on.
American Patriotism is doing what God wants us to do. It is about refusing to be a strain on America. It is asking nothing from America besides allowing its citizens to succeed or fail on their own. It is setting down differences and coming together when America needs our help. It is knowing we might have a different journey on how to get there but we have the same goal for America and its citizens. It is individuals. It is being self sufficient. It is helping others but letting them make their own choices. It is America being its own country. It is America First. It is not being afraid to show your passion for America.
American Patriotism is freedom! It’s Liberty! It’s honoring those that fought for America! It’s putting God first in everything! It’s taking care of yourself so you can take care of others! It’s being there for your family! It’s helping a stranger! It’s E Pluribus Unum! It’s In God We Trust! It’s the Declaration of Independence! It’s refusing to be subjugated!
America only exists with American Patriotism!