Julia Shotwell

According to the Random House Webster’s College Dictionary, patriotism is, “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.” In other words, patriotism is the force or emotion that drives a person (a patriot) to help his or her country. For example, George Washington was driven by patriotism to fight for his country in the American Revolution and the French and Indian War.

Patriotism is an idea or concept that has been utilized for hundreds of years. During the Revolutionary War the founding fathers and the minutemen were driven by patriotism to sacrifice much, if not all, of their lives to their country. In the past, patriotism was important: patriotism allowed ordinary people to fight against tyranny and protect their country. Their devotion and love for their country motivated them to achieve extraordinary aspirations. Therefore, patriotism mattered back then because patriotism encouraged the people in America to work for a unified cause: their country.

Many Americans today argue that patriotism does not matter anymore. However, people are loyal to their nation just as they were in the past. Patriotism is the motivation or driving force that is constantly encouraging patriots. Today there are many patriots: our soldiers, our political leaders, and ourselves. Soldiers today are urged by their love and devotion for their country, to sacrifice their time and sometimes their lives. Patriotism encourages political leaders, like Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, to serve their country regardless of the circumstance. Additionally, patriotism motivates everyday people, like me, to help form a unified nation serving a unified purpose. Patriotism also helps me to connect with my country by encouraging me to learn more about its history. Patriotism is the only emotion or feeling that allows an entire nation to work together.

Patriotism urges and encourages change and sacrifice in a nation by lighting and kindling a fire of passion in the hearts of citizens. A person’s love and devotion to their country stimulates a passionate urge to make a difference. It is quite obvious that patriotism does matter to this day, because patriotism helps unify a country. Without patriotism people in America would have nothing in common. Additionally, patriotism encourages citizens to become patriots; without patriots, like our soldiers and leaders, our country would be a country of chaos.

Patriotism is easy to understand in America; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.”