It's 4th of July again. Lots of talk about Patriotism. Opinions differ. Some citizens seem to despise their own country along with any idea of County & Patriotism. That's because they believe themselves Citizens of the World.
These same folks also seem woefully ignorant of any history. Most tellingly so: America's foundational history.
The fact that these people are ignorant of any historical knowledge further back than the last few years is not altogether their fault. The schools haven't taught, History, Civics, or Geography for decades. These disciplines are now lumped together as Social-Studies - even then - barely covered.
It's a sad situation I can do nothing about.
Instead I'll write about what creates Patriotism.
My Grandma Ollie kept a scrapbook of WWII newspaper reports. She had no interest in war. She kept the scrapbook because her son (my father) and her son-in-law (my Uncle frank) were serving overseas, very much in the war. She lost all interest in war reports when my Dad and Uncle Frank came safely home.
Patriotism comes from love.
War is savage and bloody. Very few go to war out of love of war. They go out of love for family. They go to protect home & family. They go reluctantly.
My Dad and Uncle Frank had no desire to kill foreign men on foreign soil. They went anyway, and after honorable service they returned to a grateful nation - and a very relieved Grandma Ollie.
They had no desire to sign-up for more, but they would have, if duty called.
So too, would millions of Americans.
The one-world, no-more-war crowd, has no understanding of any of this. They've been taught the only people who support war are war-mongering adventurers and stupid patriots.
Forgive them.
It's not their fault. Years of brainwashing has left them lightheaded. They've no concept of honor, valor, or duty to Country. They've also no understanding of how the world works. They live a life sheltered by people they despise - Patriots.
Ah well . . .
It's 4th of July.
Let the fireworks begin!