prideandpatriotism

Pride and Patriotism

Tim S. McWilliams

March 2003

When American and coalition forces entered Baghdad to remove the murderous Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein from power, Americans across the country are showing their support and patriotism in many demonstrations not often covered by the media. What began as a faint rumble of proud Americans showing off the red, white, and blue has grown louder as the voice of patriotism was reflected in the polls, headlines and feature stories. Americans supported the war, the military and the president.

The success of the war was both quieting and discrediting the anti-war movement in the United States and around the world. Iraq's links to terrorism, Al-Queda in particular, along with evidence of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons continued to be discovered. Furthermore, the atrocities of the Saddam's 24-year reign were shown in vivid detail proving that what the coalition is doing for the people of Iraq is just.

Although the critics keep sounding off against the USA, the president and the war, their cries are being seen by many for what they really are - the distortion, misrepresentation and disregard of facts and evidence at any costs to promote their anti-American agenda.

With the recent victories in the war against terrorism, the work of our military is not yet complete in Iraq and Afghanistan. Americans have good reason to feel pride and patriotism in their hearts. Yet they must continue to show it outwardly for the world to see. Our military must never forget that what they do is both necessary and supported by the people of America. Our enemies and those that watch from the sidelines must be constantly reminded of our nation's great resolve. And our people need occasional reassuring that they are not alone in their love for this country and it's the cause that is laid before us.

With the new wave of patriotism still blowing across the nation, more people are getting involved in organizing patriotic events. Many of these events are planned around Patriot Day, September 11th. Patriot Day was established on December 18, 2001 by a joint resolution (Public Law 107-89), in remembrance and honor of those who died from the attacks on the United States.

The Congress authorized and requested the President to designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and in his address to the nation President Bush said "Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001."

While renewed patriotism is blowing across our great nation we must remember that patriotism is contagious never goes out of style. We must all do our part to keep it alive.