Here's to the patriots of the USA. The people working in the soup kitchens, serving food to the homeless and helpless, to make sure their countrymen can have food and shelter.
Here's to the firemen who will rush into the flames of a burning building to save families, including the pets. To make sure their countrymen stay safe and feel secure.
Here's to the policemen who stand guard, protecting their countrymen's right to free speech, no matter how unpopular that opinion is. The ones who put aside their own opinions to protect someone else's. The ones who rush into danger to stop a violent man, knowing that it could be their last day on earth, to ensure that their countrymen keep on living.
Here's to the doctors who put themselves in immense debt so they can learn how to save lives. The ones whose skilled hands cut out tumors and put in new organs and pacemakers, so that their countrymen can conquer illness and keep on living.
Here's to the soldiers who died on the battlefield, fighting for a cause that they were told was just. Here's to the soldiers who died at home, unable to receive the help they needed. Here's to the soldiers who died inside, and watched as the world forgot them. Here's to the soldiers who refused to obey an order on the grounds that it was unjust.
Here's to the engineers, the mechanics, the sewer workers, the food service workers, the customer service, the retail workers, the people who form the foundation of our society whether it recognizes them or not, for they are my countrymen and I am proud of them. Here's to the people who are unable to work, whether it is because they cannot find work, or they are physically unable to work, and have no choice but to rely on that safety net, because they too are of value.
Here's to the people who stand up for what they know is right, even though it means personal injury to themselves.
For all Americans are my countrymen, no matter what country they have immigrated or descended from.
For patriotism is measured by one's love for one country. And that means the love you have for your countrymen. Patriots help their countrymen up and out of the dirt.
Patriotism is not about waving a flag around as you watch fireworks, celebrating the accomplishment of your distant ancestors.
Patriotism is not about decking your car and clothing out in the American flag design.
Patriotism is not about screaming at someone for not following your political views.
Patriotism is not about refusing to pay your taxes.
Patriotism is not about snubbing your nose at the service workers, the homeless, and the people on welfare.
Patriotism is not about forcing others to be "patriotic"
Patriotism is not about believing your that your country is superior to others. Patriotism is about striving to achieve that. Knowing that they strive for the same goal. And that that's a good thing.
I am no patriot. But I know what it is to be one. So I will strive for that. That is my decision.
And I will respect anyone who chooses otherwise, because the freedom of choice is one thing I value about any country.
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Anyways, enough pretentious crap. What are your plans for this date that has become a commercialized holiday that preys on people's beliefs that they are patriotic simply because they worship a flag?
