After Septembre 11, 2001, I noticed that in solidarity, most Americans flew the American flag.  It was a symbol that basically told the evil ones that we do not bend to your will, and that your days are numbered as your deserved justice will soon befall you, and your ideology.  I belived that, and I (our household) posted a flag proudly with our neighbours.  Some people also put bumper strips on thier autos...and some posted flags somehow on thier antenne and windows.  It was a time when the American flag ment something, an act of defiance, warriors in solidarity, and when justice had come to the evil ones, we would be closer as a nation, having gone through a tragedy and come out survivors.  I had hope, when a relative watching the terrible news unfold on that sad day said "America will not be the same tomorrow".  She was right, but not in the view that I had on Septembre 11, 2001.

I thought patriotism was expressed as loyalty to those who have made this nation what it is today.  Those who have tilled the soil and beat hammer to steel to grow and nurture this democracy.  I thought patriotism was to honour those who have battered against the doors of inequality and smoothed the path of injustice to make my walk of oppurtunity a bit more comfortable.  I thought that patriotism was to think often of and always honour those who sacrifice there comforts to defend my rights, privilages and privacies, sometimes giving thier lives in foriegn lands, and even though I am against war, they defend my beliefs in battle.

I don't wear a flag on my person.  I don't own any "patriotic' jewery.  I don't have a bumperstrip on my car, nor do I own any of the various ribbons.  My patriotism need not be accessorized.  I am an American...and I am damned proud.

How do you feel about this great land of ours?  What is patriotism to you?  How is it expressed?  I would love to discuss it.