Well, I was looking for just the right sort of words to commemorate this July 4th, and I found them. Ironically, they come from a blog I wrote two years ago. Looking back over it, I found it quire apropos. The title speaks for itself.
WHAT A REAL PATRIOT IS!
A real patriot isn't someone who just mindlessly waves a flag and puts his hand over his heart when reciting the pledge of allegiance.
A real patriot isn't someone who says he stands for freedom, yet challenges other peoples rights to expression when they respectfully disagree.
A real patriot doesn't smear the integrity of other ethnic groups simply because they are different or in the minority.
A real patriot doesn't challenge someone's courage or loyalty simply because the thought of occupying another nation is abhorrent to their beliefs and values.
And finally a real patriot isn't someone who for one day claims to love his country, yet the rest of the year does everything possible to embarrass it.
No, a real patriot would be the exact opposite of the above and on this Independence Day, let's celebrate the ideals of such individuals. They are not fictional; they were our founding fathers, and their spirit lives on not just on July 4th, but on every day of the year.
While you're hoisting down a brew or eating a hot dog, remember their sacrifice today and try always to remember that real patriots don't just love their country they challenge it!
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