What is Patriotism?

I wonder what has happened to the patriotism that America had after the 9/11 attacks. Why is that most people only raise their flags on designated holidays or when something tragic happens. Why have we taken the Pledge of Alliegence out of schools. I remember when I was growing up how great I felt after reciting that every morning. Let's show everyone that america stands behind its soldiers. You may not be proud of our governments actions but at least be proud of the men and women who fight over here so that it may never happen over there. I want to thank those of you who never stop supporting the men and women of the armed forces.

I have something for everyone out there to read. I am abig John Wayne fan. Many years ago he recorded a record "America, Why I love Her". CindyMitchum, The daughter of John Mitchum, aquired the rights to this record and has made a CD of it. My mom had bought this CD when I came home on leave one time. I would be a liar if I said I didn't at least start to shed a tear a couple of times throughout the CD. It's a real tear jerker!!! This is one of the recordings from the CD. Read this and see if you don't get a lump in your throat, a tear in your eye, or feeling of some kind of patriotism in your heart.


I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
ONE NATION UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE,
WITH LIBERTYAND JUSTICEFOR ALL.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag"

What do those words mean to you? To me they say, "Thank you, America, for your strength, your courage and your freedom...which has been a beacon to the world for two hundred years."

"Of the United States of America"

Whose bright stars are fifty states...each bearing its own stamp of individuality. People...two hundred million strong...people who have come to her from all corners of the earth.

"And to the republic for which it stands"

A land of laws...with an ingenious system of checks and balances that allows no man to become a tyrant...and lets no group prevail...if their power is not tempered with a real concern for the governed...A land where the right of dissent and of free speech is jealously guarded...wheere the ballot box is the sword...and the people its wielder.

"One nation under God"

A land where freedom of worship is a cornerstone of her being...A land graced with temples and churches, synagogues and altars that rise in profusion to embrace all the religions of the world.

"Indivisible"

A land forged by the hot steel of raw courage...and formed forever...by the awful crucible of civil war.

"With liberty"

Where man in pursuit of an honest life will not be denied his chance...where her citizens move freely within her vast borders without hindrance or fear...A land brimming with opportunity...where freedom of choice is the guide for all.

"And justice"

The courts of our land are open to all. Its wheels of justice grind for all couses...all people. They look to every avenue for justice...every concern of the law...and they temper their reasoning with mercy...

"For all!"

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG...
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS...
ONE NATION UNDER GOD...
INDIVISIBLE...
WITH LIBERTY...
AND JUSTICE...
FOR ALL.