What Does It Mean to be a Patriot?

Statue of Rosa Parks in the U.S. Capitol

Words have impact. In a recent blog, pastor Carey Nieuwhof comments, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me is a lie. I’ve seen people whose lives have changed direction because someone told them they didn’t have what it takes, so they stopped acting like they did.” On the other hand, there are those who have succeeded because someone gave words of encouragement.

When one wishes to change or challenge a person or a culture, the use of words is pivotal. Take for example, the word “patriot.” I found two definitions of the word that appear paradoxical: One is “a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.” Another is “a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government.”

In recent days, it appears that some of our leaders have opted to adopt the second definition over the first. In so doing, they attempt to redefine a significant term that is the basis for our democratic republic built upon the Constitution of the United States. As they do so, they undermine our nation.

Let me explain what it means to be a patriot and give some specific examples. My father was a patriot. Although older than the average G.I., he served in the Pacific in World War Two. My mother was a patriot. While her husband was in the military, she had a child and went to work for the U.S. Ration Board as part of the war effort. When that war was over, they raised me, taught me to love our country, paid their taxes, helped their neighbors, and never missed a chance to vote. They were patriots.

There are many patriots among us today: teachers, first responders, police officers, medical personnel, community organizers, elected officials, and members of the armed forces. They serve their community, help others, care for their families, and contribute to the common good. If they don’t like the laws, they work to change them rather than circumvent or ignore them.

Those who question our governmental processes without proof are not patriots. Those who attack the buildings that house our legislative leaders are not patriots. Those who show little or no respect for our institutions are not patriots.

Is our system of government perfect? Of course not. Any human institution is inherently flawed, but we have the opportunity to strive to make it better. Sometimes we fail, but often we succeed. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This only happens if each of us does his or her patriotic duty for the good of all.

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