What is true patriotism?

Published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:58 AM MST

Dear Editor:

As I watched the Fourth of July parade in downtown Safford and marveled at the beautiful and inspiring fireworks display at the Fairgrounds, I had to ask myself, “What is true patriotism?” Is it waving the flag on the Fourth of July? Is it listening to flowery speeches by politicians extolling the freedoms we enjoy in this great country of ours? Is it giving lip service to the great men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to win our freedom as each generation of Americans have had to do?

I think not! I believe that true patriotism is a willingness to put aside your own self-interests in order to serve your country, especially during war time. When I see young men and women today willing to postpone their college educations and turn down good paying jobs for the honor of serving their country knowing full well that they will probably be sent to a war zone, I marvel at the magnificent and courageous men and women this country has raised up in this generation.

I know there are many parents here in the Gila Valley who have such little regard for the military that they are willing to do anything to keep their children from serving in such a noble cause. They even go so far as to chastise recruiters for merely doing their job. Their attitude is to let someone else send their children; mine are too precious. What if everyone had this attitude? We would have no military to protect our precious freedoms.

As a proud father of a son who has answered the call to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, and is a recent graduate of Safford High School, I salute all who are willing to serve their country at a time when their country needs them the most. God bless America and Semper Fi.

Larry Larson

Safford

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Comments

4 comment(s)

KIM wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:38 PM:

" I truely enjoyed the article. (I am in Tucson) I do plan on sending this out on the internet and trying to get it around the world. I feel it's very true and and to the point. We need to remember this is a voluntary service not a draft. Coming from an Aunt of a fallen soldier and a Mom of two Soldiers. I am extremely proud of all who has and are now serving. Thank you troops for keeping me safe and Larry for an awsome article. Kim "

accolades for soldiers wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:53 AM:

" I agree with your letter I have two sons one has and one is serving. I do not belive we should waste the devotion to God and country on political or finacial gain. God bless our military for their devotion but we have and are being lied to for someone elses agenda. That heart of a Patriot is a rare and precious American treasure that made this country what it was and still is in many ways. The true Patriot? Those who keep and maintain the American way of life. FREEDOM "

bwana wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:48 PM:

" True patriotism might also involve employers providing opportunites for veterans to advance in the ranks.

I don't know how many times I've seen the local mine managers promote a 'wet behind the ears' college grad to some supervisor role, instead of selecting a very capable veteran who that has a lot more leadership experience. "

Good thought wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Good letter. I agree. I also want to go slap the hats off the heads of those men who dont take it off for the flag or anthem. "

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