It seems as we approach another election year the term American Patriot is being heard with greater regularity. Typically this term is automatically associated with someone who fights and/or dies for his/her country, our founding fathers and the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Even presidents are in this group, but one need not be any of the above to be an American Patriot.
In the last hundred years there have been many great patriots. The great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King was an American Patriot. The soldiers who served in two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and during the Cold War, were all American Patriots. Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks were also American Patriots.
The common thread with all these great people?
They honor/honored the American flag, the Republic for which it stands, and strongly believe in ideal liberty and justice for all. It can be your neighbor, your teacher, your clergyman, your doctor, your nurse, law officer, firefighter, coach, and it can be you!
So what does this all mean then?
Be a law-abiding citizen, participate in your local and national community, educate yourself on the issues, understand the workings of our (your) government, and by all means – register and vote!
Whatever your profession, work hard everyday and help make your country a better place. Believe in the goodness of the American people and in the bounty of our untapped potential.
Do your part, make a difference.
