It isn’t political to be patriotic. As a small business owner of an American heritage company, I’ve been surprised by the pushback this statement often garners. In this political climate, it is unfortunate that statements such as “support our troops,” “I’m proud to be an American,” and “pray for our country and its representatives” are increasingly considered divisive. Simply displaying or waving an American flag is too often associated with a political position.
Loving our country is not a political statement. It never has been and never should be. While our political affiliations and ideologies may differ, we are all Americans and together must fight for our country’s prosperity.
Patriotic unity
Patriotism is defined as loyalty, commitment, and affection for one’s homeland. It is a recognition of the incredible freedoms we possess and the countless men and women who have died to secure them. It is an enduring allegiance to the place that has protected our individual freedoms in a manner unlike any other place in human history. It unites us, regardless of color, creed, sex, or political affiliation. We are one; we are Americans.
To love our country does not require us to agree with every policy or deny past failures. In fact, it’s quite the contrary. America’s history is littered with tragedy and has endured some of the greatest human atrocities. However, it is sadly not unique in its failures. There is nothing new under the sun; each generation finds itself plagued with overcoming great sin and brokenness, tasked with fighting evil and righting wrong. We can love our country and appreciate the immense freedoms it secures despite its flaws. “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” (Federalist 51) The Founders drafted documents knowing full well the fallenness of humankind; they created governmental structures to protect against these qualities. However, the founding of the United States was grounded in liberty, recognizing the individual worth of man in the Imago Dei, and the secured protections of man’s freedoms granted by our Creator, not man. As citizens of the United States, we need to be educated on our country’s founding, its dedication and protection of individual liberty, and the structures in place to ensure its prosperity, particularly by reading and studying our history and founding documents.
Patriotism, not politics
Contrary to popular belief, there is a great separation between patriotism and politics. It is true that patriotism might lend oneself to becoming active in politics, but not necessarily. Patriotism describes the great pride and love one has for their country, while politics is the structure or process by which we seek to govern our country and its constituents. We do not cease being Americans in times of great political turmoil and strife. The differences in political and social ideologies have and will always exist; they are not an excuse to be apathetic to our national pride. Our freedom to safely make bold statements against our homeland is solely due to the protections this country secures. Media, mainstream and social, intentionally amplifies the extremes, determined to pin Americans against one another, creating an “us versus them” scenario. This is culture, not reality.
The American idea
“The essence of America — that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion. It is an idea — and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.” (Condoleezza Rice) America is not merely a place; it is an idea. An idea conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. This country was founded by men who risked their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to ensure its creation. It wasn’t the place they were seeking; it was an idea. One so radical that even its Founders could not fully achieve during their lifetimes. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence). We must understand the “great experiment” that America is if we hope to preserve it for generations to come.
A resurgence of patriotism is so desperately needed today. Our nation’s prosperity depends on a resurgence of patriotism. Waving the American flag should not be a political statement, but an expression of patriotic pride for all Americans who are united under this idea. Patriotism can be expressed in great and small ways. Grab a copy of The U.S. Constitution and Other Writings to immerse yourself in the works of the founding and famous speeches of American presidents. Support our troops — especially during wartime — and their families, as their sacrifice for our freedom is beyond comprehension. Educate your children from a young age about their country, its rich history, and the heroes of this nation. Fill your library with books teaching about America’s founding and its heroes. Be active in your community, vote in elections, and be unashamed of your love for your country.
As Americans, we are indebted to those who came before us who fought and died to secure the freedoms we enjoy. It is our great responsibility as citizens to know our past and ensure its continued prosperity. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.” (Ronald Reagan) May we defend it with all that we have.
Katie Broussard is a wife, mother, author, and founder of The Littlest Statesmen, an American family company dedicated to raising the next generation of educated, virtuous, and thoughtful Americans. Now a devoted wife and mother to three young children, Katie endeavors to cultivate a profound love and respect for her nation in her home. She is the author of The Great George Washington, the first book in the Founder’s Collection, which seeks to expose our youngest generation to the men and women who sacrificed and risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to build this great nation.