What is a Patriot?

Everyone who is informed about current events knows what a Patriot is.  It’s a surface-to-air missile, right?  That’s true, but how does the name “Patriot” apply to human beings? 

What is a patriot?  What used to be understood as an American cultural value seems to have gotten out of focus.  Now words mean different things to people. 

A patriot personifies the quality of patriotism.  Wiktionary says that patriotism is “Love of one's country; devotion to the welfare of one's compatriots; passion which inspires one to serve one's country.”  Merriam-Webster.com says that “patriotism can be defined as love of one’s country, identification with it, and special concern for its well-being and that of compatriots." 

Patriots do things that are patriotic.  They vote, pay taxes, volunteer to serve in the military, stand for elected office, and work to improve their communities, states, and nation.  Patriots stand for the national anthem, respect the flag, say the pledge of allegiance, serve on juries, and obey the law.  If necessary, patriots are willing to fight for their country, even to the death. 

Patriots believe that, when weighed in the balance, their country and what it stands for are more good than bad.  They recognize the things that need improvement and work constructively and peacefully to improve their nation by legal means. 

A patriot is a useful and productive citizen.  They give a dollar’s work for a dollar’s pay, and they believe that there is dignity in all honest work.  When possible, patriots add value to their contribution to the workforce by obtaining additional education or training.  If they fall on hard times, they may need to temporarily rely on public assistance programs, but they actively seek return to work because they understand that to have self-respect one needs to be self-sufficient. 

Patriots never give up or surrender.  They do not abandon their country during hard times.  A patriot continues to defend their country (as long as they have the means to resist), even when the cause seems to be lost.  Patriots oppose tyranny and defend freedom. 

Patriotism is the act of doing patriotic things, rather than just saying them.  On this Fourth of July, let’s think about what it truly means to be a patriot.  Whether you agree with what I have written or not, come up with your own idea of what a patriot is.  Then put it into action. 

Above all, please pray for the United States of America.  Have a happy Fourth.