PALTRY PATRIOTISM

(sigh)

There doesn't appear to be much patriotism in America these days. The Fourth of July should represent more to us as a people than just a fireworks display, but I bet most kids don't have much of a clue as to what the day stands for. Parents have dropped the ball here.

There are subtle ways for adults to instill patriotism in their kids, but parents don't seem to have the time now. My generation was taught by our parents AND OUR SCHOOLS to respect others, help those in need, honor the flag by knowing how to display it, know the Pledge of Allegiance at an early age, understand the concept of voting. We were excited if we were lucky enough to take a family vacation to a different part of the country ("See America First"); if the family couldn't afford a vacation (and even if we could), we devoured the National Geographic magazine and learned the states by putting our U. S. map puzzle together hundreds of times. We were taught to "Keep America Beautiful" and not throw trash out the car window ("Don't Be a Litterbug!"). Simple things, really, but effective. Parents don't have time these days to talk to their kids about our history -- there's just too much going on every day to set aside time to even have a meal together -- let alone do something silly like have a conversation. As I've said before, it makes me sad.

Patriotism isn't a kick-ass tattoo of Old Glory on a forearm; it's not a flag pin on a lapel. It's a feeling of pride in living in this great (but flawed) country and doing our damnedest to instill that pride in our kids. Let's not wait for another 9/11 to pull us all together.

Do something PATRIOTIC with your kids and grandkids today.

Happy Independence Day!

(sigh)