Published: June 28, 2008 10:31 pm            

Patriotism: Not just an emotion

As our nation’s birthday approaches, many of us will hang our flags outside our houses, break out our red, white and blue shirts, and watch fireworks displays set to stirring music. We’ll remember those who serve our country in uniform, and their sacrifices for our freedoms. We’ll picnic, grill outdoors, watch a baseball game or attend a parade. The choice is ours, for our country is based on our freedom to choose.

We feel that patriotism need not be a holiday-based emotion, brought forth in a red, white and blue wrapper only on certain days. Merriam-Webster.com defines patriotism as a love for or devotion to one’s country. Patriotism does not have to be a big production but could be a commitment to improving our country right here where we live and work.

Why not live our patriotism daily by bettering our community and lives through the choices we make?

At Christmas and Thanksgiving, care packages are often sent to our soldiers serving overseas. But our troops serve year-round and appreciate any kind of mail, whether it’s a care package from home or a card from a stranger telling them thank you. Many troops have served and returned home, but still appreciate a word of thanks. For those inclined to do more, why not contact one of the local veterans groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans or American Legion, and ask how to become involved. Drivers are often needed to shuttle local residents to and from the VA clinics and hospital. Visit a meeting, or ask for names and numbers of local vets and call them on July 4th to thank them personally for their service.

During World War II, Americans were urged to plant “Victory Gardens” to supply their own fresh vegetables and fruits as a way to help the war effort by lessening the demand on transportation from field to market. Today, as we worry about whether our tomatoes came from a contaminated out-of-state source or whether they’re organic, why not support our local economy by purchasing locally grown produce? Why not clear a small sunny patch in the yard and prepare it for a fall or winter garden? Children used to watching television and playing video games can learn so much — patience, persistence, cause and effect, working through failure, pride, sharing — from growing their own food and sharing the results with neighbors and family members.

While our political leaders grapple with our country’s dependence on foreign oil, let’s do our part to lessen our gas and oil usage by planning ahead and making each trip count. Rather than making three or four short trips to the store in a day’s time, why not try to anticipate what’s needed and schedule one longer outing whenever possible? Every little bit counts as gas prices continue to climb.

For those frustrated by reports of graffiti and other vandalism in recent months and wanting to do something, why not hit the streets? Invite a family member or friend to take a walk around your neighborhood in the morning or evening. Smile and wave to your neighbors or stop and chat at the curb. Not only will you get a little exercise, you’ll get to know more people and soon recognize when something is amiss. And those who might be contemplating mischief will soon realize people are watching.

Finally, let’s be environmentally patriotic through the way we take care of our land. Let’s reuse what we can, and recycle the rest. Palestine residents who use Allied Waste for their garbage pickup may call the company to request the blue plastic recycling bins and place them curbside for pickup. Aluminum cans may be sold to a recycling business for around 45 cents a pound.

Let’s show how much we love our country by loving our community enough to make it a better place.

        

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