What Makes a Patriot

2016-08-23T12:15:04-04:00

Waving the flag doesn’t make you a patriot. The same goes for wearing a miniature flag as a lapel pin - owning a flag doesn’t automatically make you better than another American. A patriot celebrates the flag, but that doesn’t define a patriot.

So what is a patriot? The dictionary states that a patriot is “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.” We understand what it means to “defend” our country – it means to serve in the armed forces. But what does it mean to “support” our country?

My interpretation is that it means to support our form of government – that is, a democracy. It means voting to elect your representatives and supporting those elected whether or not they are from your party. You don’t have to agree with them, but if they are elected by a fair vote of the people, you ought to support them. It also means paying your taxes and observing the laws. If you disagree with a law, you can vote to change it, but a patriot must obey the law until it’s peaceably changed. Patriots support those who preserve the law - the police, the National Guard, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.

Supporting our country means to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. It also means earning a fair profit but not an excessive one that shortchanges an allegedly patriotic business owners’ employees. It means dealing fairly and honestly with both your customers and employees.

Supporting our country means supporting the Constitution and Bill of Rights. A patriot protects freedom of religion, regardless of his or her own faith. A patriot protects the right to freedom of speech even though he or she doesn’t agree with the speaker, freedom of the press even though he or she doesn’t agree with what is written, freedom to assemble even if he or she is not part of the assembly, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures regardless of who is being searched, and the due process under the law for everyone.

A patriot knows that if even one single person’s rights are restricted, no one is free.

Last but not least, patriots - even if they do not serve in the armed forces – support those that do serve.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 23 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-08-23T12:18:42-04:00

It really helps to learn about one's nation. That used to be routine until civics were eliminated from American public schools. Thus, we not only have children thinking that we're a "democracy" but also Presidents who try to replicate "democracy" in other nations. Sad. Democracy is the tyranny of the majority. Look at how well it worked in Iraq...

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 23 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-08-23T12:40:11-04:00

The dictionary is pretty narrow. I'd say a single mom struggling to raise her kids to be good citizens is a Patriot. First responders protecting our lives fall into that category too. That said, it isn't so much as what we are or what we do, it's the frame of mind in which we do it and live. Lots of Patriots out there.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 23 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-08-23T13:39:55-04:00

The MIM-104 Patriot has the AN/MPQ-53 at the heart of the system (the "Phased array Tracking Radar) along with advanced aerial interceptor missiles. (I know but could not help myself)

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 23 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-08-23T13:45:31-04:00

What is a patriot? I would argue that in our Republic, it is not blindly following the latest batch of representatives BUT standing firm to what our nation is founded on. The elected officials and everyone in the military takes an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I think the real difference between the patriot and everyone else is not the love of rights and freedoms but being willing to step up and actually meet the responsibilities and obligations that come with those rights and freedoms.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 23 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-08-23T16:56:38-04:00

Living free. Perusing life, liberty and happiness. Respecting your rights and the rights of others. Providing aid and comfort when it's needed by your community, city, county, State and/or Country.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 6:59 PM

2016-08-23T18:59:25-04:00

http://ktla.com/2016/08/23/touching-video-of-wwii-veteran-being-honored-at-l-a-area-home-goes-viral/

This is a patriot....

Touching Video of WWII Veteran Being Honored at L.A.-Area Home Goes Viral

Emotional video ofa World War II veteran “having one of the best days of his life” after being honored bychief selectsin front ofhis Gardenahome recently has touched many people af…

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 1:58 PM

2016-08-24T13:58:01-04:00

A patriot... You don't need to love your government but you need to love your country and its people. You might not like all the people or who's in charge but a patriot isn't fair weather. A patriot will love and support their country in good times and bad and if necessary suffer hardships for their country. A patriot doesn't follow blindly and should be full of questions for the good of their country and their citizens not just themselves.

The best I can put it into words.

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Sep 11 at 2016 12:48 AM

2016-09-11T00:48:39-04:00

This is an exceptionally intriguing article. I like it. Thank you for sharing sir.

Response by Alan K. made Oct 19 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-10-19T19:47:33-04:00

A Patriot. I am a Patriot, proud of my Country's Heritage and the men who brought it to us. Humbled by the Flag waving in the breeze and the thought of how much was given for each star and stripe through the years. A Patriot is loyal to America......Oath Keeper and Sheepdog, Protector of the Flock..

Response by COL Donald Jackson made Oct 20 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-10-20T16:37:16-04:00

What is a Patriot? A Patriot is a person with pride in his/her country the degree that he/she not only serve his or her country but sought out a career to protect and defend it. Yes you can be a Patriot without serving but I call a person that servers and put his/her life on the line a “Real Patriot” Defense means in all form from the military to other who swear to protect and defend like police and firemen. If you can put your life on the line to protect and defend others who cannot for themselves, in my book, you are a Patriot.

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Oct 27 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-10-27T14:50:17-04:00

Jury duty is another form of Patriotism and Constitutional duties. This is often overlooked by the "warrior centric" conceits of the nation, but our form of justice depends upon this particular method of citizenship. In particular, the military, which is exempt from this burden of the civilian courts, may not entirely appreciate this essential Constitutional structure, albeit without prejudice.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Apr 28 at 2020 6:43 PM

2020-04-28T18:43:10-04:00

Thank you, LTC. I have believed I was a patriot since my teen years. After reading your dissertation on patriotism; this writer qualify's.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-10-17T15:58:14-04:00

No US Patriot in these.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 18 at 2021 7:00 AM

2021-10-18T07:00:04-04:00