Nothing stirs my emotions quite like the opening notes of our national anthem. In that melody, I sense the complex history of America, filled with both its triumphs and its struggles—a nation that I hold dear. I firmly believe that those who kneel during this anthem are just as patriotic as those who stand tall.
I identify as a liberal who is also a proud American. These identities are not mutually exclusive, and the Republican party does not hold a monopoly on what it means to love this country. Sorry, conservatives; waving a massive flag doesn’t inherently mean you care for America more than I do.
Am I often disillusioned with our nation? Absolutely—especially during the tumultuous years of the recent administration. The chaotic nature of that presidency, combined with the nail-biting closeness of the latest election, leaves me feeling discouraged. However, just as I can feel disappointment in my children when they make poor choices, my love for them remains unwavering. The same applies to my love for this country.
I yearn for a better America; we all do. Yet, in the process of dismantling outdated systems and constructing new ones, we must recognize the sacrifices made by those who have fought to keep our nation strong. My grandfather, Thomas Sanders, was a World War I veteran. At ninety, he recounted his harrowing experience at the Battle of St. Mihiel:
“This is a personal anniversary; significant only to me. On this night in 1918, the 77th Field Artillery had just completed a forced march of about 33 hours to reach our designated position on the front line. We marched continuously, through the night and day, until early morning when we finally camped for a few hours. I spent that night lying on a pile of brush in the famous rain of France. At dawn, we were called to set our guns and begin transporting ammunition. By night, we were ready to fire our first shots in the battle. At midnight, the command to start firing echoed, and the only fitting description is ‘all hell broke loose.’ Hundreds of guns roared in unison throughout the night.”
Reading his words, I can’t help but shudder at the horrors he faced. That grueling march—something I find daunting even to contemplate—was just one part of the collective experience of countless soldiers who fought for a cause they believed in. His story reflects the struggles of many, and I will always honor their sacrifices. Patriotism is not the sole domain of conservatives.
My family is rich with military history. I have three uncles—one in the Navy and two in the Marines (one of whom lost his life in service). Additionally, two brothers-in-law served in the Navy and Air Force, and my father-in-law spent six years in Vietnam. I take pride in being the wife of an Air Force veteran. Each family member carries their own tales of service and impact. While only one of them made the ultimate sacrifice, they all volunteered knowing the risks involved.
I’m exhausted by the notion that only Republicans acknowledge the contributions of our servicemen and women. Observances like Veterans’ Day, and other patriotic remembrances, are often portrayed as right-wing occasions. Just because we seek to evolve America into a place that is genuinely great for everyone doesn’t mean we are anti-American. The opposite is true.
Marybeth Foster captured this sentiment perfectly in her piece for Arc: “Many struggle to reconcile our historical wrongdoings with a commitment to their country, often because they’ve been misled about what patriotism truly entails. They believe that pride in America cannot coexist with acknowledging its darker history, resulting in a distorted view of what it means to be patriotic.”
I refuse to allow anyone to diminish my pride in the veterans of my family or to claim that my love for my country is any less valid because my interpretation of patriotism differs from theirs. Overemphasis on symbols—like a flag on a T-shirt or a MAGA hat—can often overshadow the deeper essence of what it means to love one’s country. True patriotism lies in the efforts to create a better America for everyone. It’s found in the voices rising at protests, in the grassroots movements challenging racism, and in the breaking down of barriers that have long held people back.
Your bumper sticker or flag-themed profile picture doesn’t define your patriotism. Real love for this country comes from the hope for its potential, even if that journey is complex and messy.
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Summary:
This article asserts that patriotism is not exclusive to any political affiliation, particularly the Republican party. It emphasizes that love for one’s country can encompass a desire for change and improvement, demonstrating that true patriotism is reflected in actions aimed at fostering equity and justice for all citizens. The author shares personal family experiences to highlight the sacrifices of veterans and challenges the notion that only one segment of the population can claim patriotism.