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Saturday, March 22, 2008
What is Patriotism?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We loaded up the car and hit the road around midnight. We were three college buddies with a few days off for spring break. Road trip! We headed to Washington, D.C., to see the sites and visit a friend who worked at the Capitol.
One night, we decided to check out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, specifically “The Wall.” What a site. The black granite. The names of the soldiers - either killed in action or classified as missing in action. The notes and other sentimental trinkets left at the base of the monument.
Some people made pencil tracings of the servicemen’s names. Others touched the massive display. Many cried.
I was 20 years old when I first saw the memorial, and for me it became a defining moment. While taking in the wall on that misty night in March 1985, I felt something I’d never really felt before.
Patriotic.
It’s a concept that’s been in the political news of late. Some pundits wonder whether Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, has it or is sincere enough about it. His wife, Michelle Obama, was put through the ringer for telling an audience in Milwaukee that “for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but (because) I think people are hungry for change.”
Critics had a field day questioning her love for the country. She has pretty much slunk from the spotlight.
My parents were salt of the earth people, hard-working South Georgians. They never impressed upon us patriotism as a concept to embrace.
Yet they passed on to us traits that personify the very essence of the word. They showed and taught us to work hard; to shun victim hood; to be smarter, if not the smartest; to prosper. Our patriotism is and has been reflected in our quest to be responsible, productive U.S. citizens.
Nowadays, the concept of patriotism is often hijacked, relegated to a sport, a sound bite. It’s defined by who does, or doesn’t, wear a U.S. flag on his or her lapel. It’s expressed by calling a radio talk-show and telling the host “you’re a great American.” It suffers under blind support for political parties, partisan politics, war and government policies that help a chosen few, not the masses. It’s trivialized with bumper stickers, ribbons and other tips of the hat.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with symbolic displays. Don’t get it twisted, though. Don’t think that your patriotism runs deeper, is more real and heartfelt than those who choose not to wear lapel pins or place bumper stickers on their cars.
Back in March 1985, The Wall helped me tap into the emotional side of my patriotism for the very first time. Today, I can visit a place closer to home when I want to rekindle that feeling.
The Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum in Lawrenceville pays tribute to local men and women who have defended the country, starting with the Revolutionary War. The displays are spectacular, but the museum volunteers are the stars. Many are veterans who have great stories to tell if you can get them to open up.
Their humility amazes me. So does their patriotism.
Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
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