American Patriotism

In the days after World War II, whenever the flag would appear on screen or on public display, it was met with wild enthusiasm, even cheering. It was a symbol of a country we loved, for which we had sacrificed lives, and which had been victorious in a hard-fought global war. It was a symbol of patriotism. A similar enthusiasm for the flag appeared after 9/11...flags on cars, buildings, windows, porches, everywhere. It was a symbol of a nation untied, under fire, but determined again, not to yield to tyranny. That enthusiasm has waned a bit, but yesterday's Eagle-Tribune front page story, "Changed Men" reinkindled for me that love of country, that pride, that assurance, that there is out there, amidst all the gadgets and material goods imaginable, a generation of young patriots, ready to sacrifice their lives, fight in Iraq or Afghanistan, interrupt their educations, take huge chances at not finding work upon their return from service and giving meaning to the flag as the symbol of a strong, determined nation dedicated to liberty and justice for all. Despite our flaws, that ideal still motivates and inspires. And these young men, are reassuring signs to the rest of us, that the corruption in Washington, the bickering of politicians, and the diminishment of moral standards, do not signal the end of the Republic. Not when men and women such as these stand tall and ready to defend our basic inalianable rights. Thank you, you 18, 19, 20 and 20+ year olds for reminding an older generation that there is indeed another generation growing up.
Bro. Rene