Patriotism

America just had it' 232nd birthday, setting into motion all the Fourth of July rituals. Fireworks, parades, flags, picnics and pageants all helped bind America together on it's birthday. July Fourth is a holiday of patriotism with many citizens proclaiming their love of country yet the rockets red glare of today's media is focuses on the Presidential candidates past service to country. Should John McCain have to defend his military record? Of course not! Should Barack Obama have to explain why he did not serve in the military? Of course not! Each man has as much patriotism as anyone but patriotism is sometimes hard to show. Patriotism lies in a persons heart making it hard to prove. When ever the political patriotism argument arises it's always a matter of who is the most patriotic. America may be that city on a hill but it can always use a little correction from time to time no matter how patriotic the presidential candidates think they are. True patriotism is built around greatness, sacrifice and the desire to improve through change. It's like any love, a private commitment that can't be forced but can be enticed.
Happy birthday America! I honored you by displaying your flag and singing your anthem several times. I will forever be grateful for the liberty secured by my forefathers and will never take freedom for granted. Do I need to prove my patriotism? Of course not!