Patriotism may be expressed in a variety of ways. Of course, one way that comes to mind is serving in the armed services risking your life for the ideals of your country. There are many pathways to expressing patriotism. For example, being a viable contributor to our community whether that is through your chosen profession be that teacher, nurse, hair dresser, waiter, bus driver, or stay-at-home parent definitely is patriotic by helping the strength of our nation.
Recently, I saw a sight that did not exemplify this concept. I saw something on the block where we used to live. A few houses down from our old home, an American flag was being displayed. Of course, displaying our Flag can represent a patriotic gesture. However, in this circumstance, I do not believe that is the case. Under this homeowner's Stars and Stripes was another flag. The second flag was black with the letters F and U plus the number 46.
Please understand I am not appalled by the implicated language nor by the lack of support for our current president although that disrespect for our elected leader is concerning. What I find troubling is that this homeowner chose to fly his political viewpoint under our symbol of democracy.
So on this day, where voting in the Indiana Primary demonstrates one facet of patriotism, let us endeavor to do the most we can to support the sacred ideals on which our country was founded.
To quote Abraham Lincoln
The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely, they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
