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Patriotism is on the Rise!

In April of 1893 the first Flag Day was proposed and declared to be held in honor of the flag that represents America. Each year on June 14th we still follow this tradition.

Memorial Day, is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May, to honor men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began as a celebration to honor Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War, but after World War I, it was changed to include anyone who died in any military action.

Veteran's Day began on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, November 11 officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veteran's Day to honor all U.S. veterans.

These holidays all differ, and have separate traditions, but they all hold our American traditions and beliefs dear. With patriotism running high, the holidays in which we honor our country, and those who fought, and are still fighting, for freedom across the globe, are especially dear to us. Celebrations, where families and friends gather to honor our country, our country's soldiers, and loved ones both near and far, have increased into celebrations of patriotism. Families gathered together for these celebrations still celebrate in the traditional ways, but there is a sense of pride, a sense of honor, a sense of the recognition that the things we hold dear like freedom, like democracy, like the pursuit of happiness, are not a given.

In the midst of Independence Day picnics and fireworks, Thanksgiving Dinners with family gathered around, Veteran's Days, Memorial Day's, and Flag Days, there are increasing moments of quiet reflection-time to Give Thanks for the bounty that is America. Consider adding to these elements, quietly orchestrated opportunities, to reflect on our good fortune to be able to live in this country where we are free, while the cost of freedom is, was, and continues to be high. You can watch movies like 4th of July, The Patriot, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, The North and The South, and other movies that illustrate the high cost of freedom, are good ways to provoke discussion and promote patriotism on these patriotic holidays.

Patriotism at the Olympics

One common image you've seen recently with the Winter Olympics is many athletes wearing a flag, typically with the flag draped over one's shoulder.
In the case of the Olympics, an athlete winning a medal for the country is clearly an instance for patriotism and displaying the flag is part of that patriotism. Similarly, many people will wear flag-inspired pieces of clothing around July 4th. From shorts covered in red, white, and blue to shirts displaying a full banner, nearly anything is game for showing off your patriotism.

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• Happy Fourth of July (grievanceproject.wordpress.com)
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• A Brief History of Veteran's Day (takepart.com)