What Do You Want Your Kids to Know About US Patriotism?

For my family we will probably stress the importance of voting and being informed. When the kids are much older we will talk about why blind patriotism is wrong.

TBH My wife's family immigrated here from Sweden shortly before she was born and I have never had a lot of patriotism. That's just us though.

First off, I don't know what you mean by those who have an "abundance" of it. How do you even quantify such a broad term?
Is my neighbor more patriotic than me because he flies a flag, fears God, complains about people not saying the pledge of allegiance or speaking English, and listens to country songs about the troops coming home?
Am I less patriotic because I don't do those things?
As an American I show MY patriotism by speaking up for human rights, speaking out against injustice and inequality, VOTING, and respecting a following the laws of this nation.
I also believe in challenging and fighting to change those laws that have become obsolete and outdated.
That is the model I set for MY children.

Not sure how to really answer this one but I will give you an example of HOW our family showed patriotism recently.

A young man in our neighborhood recently came home from a tour in Afghanistan. We received a small notice in our mailbox about a humble homecoming planned that our town was providing for him. The notice asked us to fly a flag at our home if we had one and to come to the house and be there when the young man arrived home.

To this day it brings tears to my eyes and gives me a lump in my throat when I think about it.

We talked to our kids about the young man. His service. War. Tragedy.Heartache. Sacrifice. We talked about the many fallen heroes that come home in caskets with our country's flag draped over it. We told them this young man was coming home for a short time before being deployed again. We went to the store and bought a package of small flags to place in their lawn.

Earlier in the day we dropped by the house to place the flags in the lawn. We were so pleasantly surprised to see a bunch of tough looking, grey haired, bald and bearded, leather jacket wearing men placing gigantic US flags with poles in the young boy's lawn. They were a group of Vietnam Vets who do this for all the local boys and girls who come home. THAT IS PATRIOTISM!

We talked to the men and thanked them for their service. THAT IS PATRIOTISM!

We decided as a family that we would save our little flags for putting in the lawns of homes that lined the street leading to this young man's home.

We showed up at the designated time that stated on the postcard. We saw soooo many people there from the community. THAT IS PATRIOTISM! We saw cheerleaders from the two High Schools in our town and they lined the street waiting to shake their pom poms as the boy arrived. THAT IS PATRIOTISM.

The mayor came to speak, thank him for his service and give him a plaque . THAT IS PATRIOTISM.

A firetruck came. Police cars came. THAT IS PATRIOTISM.

Then it was time. The boy rounded the corner in a convertible car waving. The convertible belonged to another Vet who donates his time chauffeuring returning servicemen. Trailing him and riding by his side were soooo many Vets on motorcycles. They showed up to the airport and escorted this one, young boy home. THAT IS PATRIOTISM!

The entire throng of people then sang God Bless America. The young man came out of the car and thanked everyone for showing support and talked about how good it is to be home but he looks forward to leaving soon to serve another tour.

All of these people showed their patriotism in one way or another..not all in the same way. But, at its core is a respect and love for our beautiful nation and those that serve to protect Her.

I don't want my kids to" know about patriotism". I want them to FEEL it! I want them to feel that humble admiration for the country we live in and for all the people who have served and continue to serve to make it a better and safer nation.

I cannot judge the level of someones "abundance" or lack of patriotism. It is not for me to judge that. We talk about how we can make our nation a better place to live..and that starts within our own sphere of influence..school, the grocery store, church, at ball games. We focus on treating each other with dignity and respect and as fellow brothers and sisters.

ETA: do you find this sufficiently patriotic, A.
Molly O. I'm going to draw the line at Moses writing the constitution! Holy cow! How does something like that gain popular favor???

I want my son to know (and he does) that freedom wasn't/isn't "free."
That a LOT of veterans (his dad included) have served this country selflessly so that we CAN be free. And safe. And many, many, many have given their lives for it. (Even though they've been repaid with benefit cuts and far too many veterans commit suicide for lack of prompt mental health care.)
I want him to know that everyone here except the native Americans are immigrants. That he is no better, no worse, than an 11 year old immigrant that got here yesterday.
I want him to know that he's not entitled to anything, but he has the opportunity for everything he wants on his life.
I want him to know that it's always a bad idea to use a bible to promote selfishness, bigotry and hatred.
I want him to know that out country has separation of church and state.
I want him to know the importance of voting.
I want him to know how many great things have been accomplished on the USA because O. person questioned something and caused change.
That corporations are not people.
That corporations have obligations to do business fairly.
To respect the flag.
To realize that when the rubber hits the road, the USA does the right thing for other countries in crisis.
To realize that at the end of the day, we live in a free, prosperous country where no O. should have to go hungry or sick because of their socioeconomic status.

ETA: As an American with a father who is a Korean and Vietnam Vet and a husband that is a Desert Storm Vet as well as myself that has worked for our US Government Overseas? I've seen a lot of things in my life. Traveled a lot. There are some Americans I've seen that are just obnoxious and rude...just as I've seen French that are obnoxious and rude. It doesn't matter WHAT country you are from - you can be obnoxious and rude.

I am in the Patriot Guard - that's a group of people that stand "guard" during a fallen vet's funeral so groups like Westborough Baptist can't spew their hate and vitriol at family that is already grieving.

I'm not sure where people are getting the "attitude" that America is the best. We are the best at certain things - just as Japan and China are the best at things...America just seems to be the country that EVERY OTHER country looks to for help.

original

A.,

I really like you - but it seems like this is a loaded question and like you are trying to get people divided or get people riled up.

What do **I** believe patriotism is?? Patriotism is one whom is devoted, supportive, and defensive of one's country. One who questions authority instead of following it like a lemming.

Does this mean that I MUST respect and follow our "leader"? Nope. It means I take my Constitutional rights seriously and will use my freedom of speech to speak out against or for things I believe in.

When is patriotism "appropriate"? Standing and respecting the flag as it is going by on parade. Speaking out and protesting in a CIVIL manner is patriotic as well. Unlike the people in Ferguson, MS who looted their town in a form of protesting...to me? That's not patriotism - that sheer stupidity.

Is that what you were looking for??

Patriotism is about respecting our government, including its leader, even if you don't agree with his (and hopefully someday, her) political party. It's about speaking up when you disagree, but fundamentally respecting the system. It's about understanding our country's history, appreciating the sacrifices made by those fighting for justice, both in wartime and in bringing about civil rights. It's about understanding that our country has always been intended to be a melting pot and that we should treat everyone with respect.

To me, it has far less to do with putting up a flag and chanting USA.

***Added: OH!!! I this about changing the curriculums to show America ONLY in a positive light??!!! Well, Hello, altering factual history in our already faltering education system would make America NOT THE BEST!!!!!***

When is patriotism not appropriate? Nutty people who think "Murricka" is the BEST no matter WHAT and all other countries STINK are a bit excessive, and people with NO patriotism don't deserve all the luxuries they have at the sacrifice of others. But good, normal, average patriotism is pretty much standard for everyone in every country. People have pride for their roots usually. I guess my kids will learn the reasons we're proud of America and find their own reasons too...and they'll find out some are blindly WAY TOO patriotic and others are not patriotic enough....we all figured it out, right?

Reading some of these, there are such good ways to honor those who serve. There are also grave disservices our government should be ashamed of pertaining to how it treats it's military and vets. To every coin there is two sides.

And ditto Nervy girl. Being patriotic does NOT MEAN you should discredit other countries in any way. That is ignorant and only hurts America in the bigger picture. There are ways America is the best and ways it is NOT the best. And really, there does not need to be a self-declared best country. It's immature unless done tongue in cheek the same way people think their town is the best, etc. It's fine to have pride and team spirit. But people can get carried away.

That true patriotism isn't in whether or not you stand when the national anthem is played, or whether you have a flag flying in your front yard, but in the things you do to actually make this country a better place to live.

ETA:
After reading your SWH, waving a flag at a parade or wearing a flag t-shirt is not, in and of itself patriotism any more than wearing a wedding band is, in and of itself, marriage.
Some of the most patriotic people I know have never flown a flag in their yard, never worn a red, white, and blue t-shirt.

The first association I have to the word patriotism is the sacrifice shown by soldiers and their families. My dad is a Vietnam vet and I talk a lot to my kids about the bravery and sacrifice required for our country to maintain such freedoms.

I have to concur with mom2KCK!

I wish for my children to always remember the rich military history in our family, (and that it continues today with 3 of 4 sons either commissioned, or soon to be), and that while, as individuals, have a DUTY and obligation to speak up when we disagree with something from a political POV, and VOTE minimally... We must always remember the sacrifice of those who fight for our freedoms in this country.

That is all I have to say at this time.

**And I do agree that it seems a 'loaded' question!**

I let my kids form their own opinion from their own study of history and civics.

To me it's best displayed as quiet humility, with our lives as our testimony, including our national "life."

I'm grateful to be an American but I don't presume that it makes me better than anyone else somewhere else in the world.

Forgive my suspicion, but this seems to be a very loaded question...

Patriotism is understanding what was sacrificed for you to live the life you live, to respect and honor not only the fallen, but also the families of those who have loved ones who have served, and those who came back both healthy and not. I believe part of that is to stand when the anthem is being played, hat off, hand over your heart...but maybe that's because I was born into a military family, married a military man, and have lived my whole life surrounded by those who have given their lives for freedom.

I think it comes from a true understanding of our history and why we fight so hard and so strong to keep what America was founded for.

I do NOT think patriotism means you have to agree with political parties, wars, etc, but it means you have to support those people (especially the ones in harms way) even if you don't support the effort itself. My brother didn't fully support the war in Iraq, but that didn't stop him from fighting and losing many of his brothers over two tours.

I could probably write a book on my views here...but I'll stop :).

Patriotism is being proud of where you come from and knowing the good things about your country. It also requires you to be critical of things that are not good and need to be improved.

Patriotism requires us not only to not blindly follow along and say, "Go USA. America is the best!" It requires that we stand up and say, "We were wrong!" and then do everything in our power to fix that. It means standing up for those who are not being heard, be they citizens of our country or not.

Patriotism does not mean believe the US is the best country in the world, which it isn't, by the way. There are many, many countries in this world that might be a bit different but are equally great. It means not being a snob!!!

Patriotism requires us to recognize our faults and weaknesses and strive to be better.

I just had the best time reading through all these answers. So far, most have been respectful, varied, and heart-felt. For me, I think patriotism is best expressed by what I contribute to our country. I stay informed from various sources, vote, serve on a government board, support incumbents and candidates for office, listen and consider other points of view, and I contribute taxes willingly. This is such a great country of freedom, generosity and opportunity and I know that I am so fortunate to have been born here.

I want them to know the truth about the history of this country, warts and all.

I want them to know why and how people came here and about the people that were the original natives.

I want them to know that those that came wanted a new country that would allow them the rights they were searching for and ended up fighting to keep this country, but that it was not easy. Many of them died, from illness or in war, but people kept coming, because they wanted to be a part of a different type of country that was not ruled by kings and queens.

I want them to know about the American spirit and pride in her beautiful and most inclusive country in the world. We have and continue to welcome people to come here and become Americans.

To understand how wonderful our country is, means you will also need to talk about other countries that do not allow their people to speak their mind. That do not always allow their people to own land, to travel, to attend school. They do not provide free school.

Very few of us have ancestors that are Native Americans, but our people got here as fast as possible.

We are willing to fight to protect people all over the world. We are innovative, we are generous and we feel that all People are equal. Women, Men, No matter where you came from or what you do. We are willing to fight for those rights.

And even though we do not always agree, we are allowed to disagree. It is not so in all countries around the world. .

I'm going to guess this is in reference to the protests in Colorado and Texas against history curriculum changes that would "promote patriotism" by removing acts of civil disobedience/unrest from the books, which is paradoxical pseudo-logic at best, and extremist propaganda at worst.

But the Texas textbooks do more than "promote patriotism". Here's a nice article in Newsweek about the changes they made to history:
http://www.newsweek.com/2014/10/03/textbook-case-bad-text...

Patriotism to me is having pride in your country. To not forget the sacrifices and struggles made in the past so this country could come to be and continue. To face the past, present and future.

I believe that the United States of America is the greatest country of all. I do and I'm not being a snob. There is nothing wrong with feeling that YOUR country is the best. THAT is pride in one's country. I have been to several and they are wonderful but this country is unique. When I hear USA USA USA, I'm proud to say I'm an American. I am proud to look back at our heritage and have pride. No not all of our heritage is wonderful, some is as bad as it can be but we rise above and stride to make things better.

I'm not one political party, I'm an American, warts and all. THAT is patriotism.

I have read below and I agree with some and disagree with some and that in a nutshell is America.

I like your post, I like this question in the real context, so for myself and my family (My husband and I are proud American, no native, American by naturalization, and my kids are American, born here) I understand patriotism is the attachment, the love and respect for our country. We are involved helping our soldiers and families in any way we possibly can, we stand up and we sing our National Anthem and the Pledge to our Flag with all respect and emotion; my husband and I vote every time is required; we speak at home about patriotism and teach our children by example. We love our countries of origin and we respect them, but we have our home here in the US. We love our people, our homeland and we teach our children that this is their country and they have to be involved, and respectful with people here and overseas because that people (most of them) also are patriotic and respectful to their countries. I encourage my kids to read US history and learn it so tomorrow they will vote with conscience and knowledge; they are also encouraged by us to read other countries' history, so they will value and understand their own.

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I agree that this is a loaded question, so retracting, I don't have time for drama today.

that love for country includes appreciation for all of our unique and really unprecedented freedoms. for the sacrifices that our military and (a very few) political leaders make. and that recognizing the huge mistakes past and present, the falls from the high road, the ethical nightmares and the hypocrisies is not being unpatriotic, it's the same sort of love i have for them- keeping the bar high, loving unconditionally, and having standards.
jingoism is not patriotism.
khairete
S.

Momma W said it all!

I want them to know it comes from the US, and that it's always inappropriate for them to have it. US patriotism is not a subject discussed in our home very often, if at all.

We are not American, and we don't live there. My country came to freedom and democracy through the power of minds and votes, with no bloodshed, and I love that. We believe in equality, freedom, and individuality. The responsibility to participate in the democratic process is taken very very seriously in my country with a greater than 95% voter turnout. we are a wealthy, healthy and resiliant nation, and, I feel so lucky that I am a part of that. However, just like all of us born into nations like ours, it's simply the luck of the draw.