Browsing through some of my older writings I stumbled upon this article today and thought it would be appropriate to post considering the holiday at hand.

 

Joyce Bowling
Written July 26^th 1999
©November 11^th 2006

Proud to be An American!

Patriotism…what does it mean? Webster defines it as; To love one’s country. Dwayne Armstrong, a dear friend of mine and a World War II veteran states, "It means to be true , believe in your country and fellowman, and be willing to fight for your country!"

As I began writing, I realized that I must do some real soul searching to define and find these answers. I knew that loved my country, but I wanted to be able to say why?

I am clothed and am not trying to piece bits of rags together for clothing; I am not hungry and waiting in hopes that I might receive a small portion of mush or grain to quiet my rumbling stomach. I have a roof above me, a soft warm bed to sleep in, and clean drinking and bathing water, unlike many in other countries.

I can travel with ease, from beautiful Florida beaches to the beautiful Georgia plantations. I can walk around my own farm water my vegetables, fish from my pond, feed my goats, and spend free time with my family. I am not confined or held captive without hopes of ever seeing our beautiful world. I am not living under the leadership of a dictator telling me when, why, and where I may and may not go. I have the freedom to worship and speak, as well as the opportunity to be whatever I want to be.

Upon searching for the meaning of patriotism and what America means to me, I realized that our forefathers and veterans have given me all of these things that I have spoken of, and so much more. They have given each American their independence and freedom!

I must agree with Webster when he defined Patriotism: "To Love One’s Country." I too believe that to love our country we must remain, dedicated, loyal, supportive, faithful and believe in it. We must respect our country and give to it, not take away. We are truly blessed to be American’s and to have inherited such a wonderful land, that God created just us. I as one American want to give back as much as I have inherited and more! God bless America and our soldiers from the past and present!