Well, it's technically the day AFTER Veteran's Day, and I debated whether or not I wanted to publish this post or delete it, wondering if it was too soap-boxy. But, I am patriotic, I am proud to be an American, and I am not ashamed to let my voice be heard.
The summer between my Junior and Senior year of high school I attended what's called Girls' State. It's almost a type of camp which lasts one week and teaches all about government. While there, I was able to experience (along with approximately 300 other girls from across the state) politics and government first hand. We were divided up into cities and counties. I had the privilege of being a county and state delegate, member of the credentials committee, a member of the sifting committee, a senator, and the senate chaplain.
While attending Girls' State I felt feelings of pride and patriotism that I had never before felt. On the second to last night we had a banquet in celebration of all of the Veterans who so willingly serve us. We honored decorated veterans from across the state, had a guest speaker, and learned about the Poppy. Each of us wore a boutineer, crafted by veterans, as a sign of respect and remembrance. At each place setting, beneath the boutineer, was this poem:
In Flander's Field
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from falling hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
It was, in those brief moments of reading those three little stanzas, that I felt feelings like those I had never felt toward this country and its government. The closest thing I can relate it to is a deep spirituality, almost. It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. As I read the poem, I teared up. Picking up my boutineer, I stared at it for a moment, reflecting on my feelings, analyzing them, then scrambling, I hurried to fasten it firmly over my heart.
I woke up on Veteran's Day this year and realized that I did not have that boutineer, I left it at home when I came to college. I felt really bad, like I couldn't adequately honor those who served. When I emerged, my roommate had little red poppy pins for those in the apartment who wanted them. I was so grateful, and we ended up launching into a big conversation about how much we love this country! One of our other roommates looked a little befuddled and asked how we could love it so much when things are going bad in the government. Well, here's how.
First, I love my country for the people who live in it. The average american, the every day citizen, the general population. I look around and I see diversity. I see interesting, exciting new people everyday that make up this grand place. I don't love my country for its leaders, its political figures, its poster children, because they aren't what truly make up this land. The United States of America is full of people who are gritty, who are stubborn, hard headed, and AWESOME! That's why we thrive. That's why we have survived as a country all these years. Imagine what would happen if Americans lost their spunk...
Second, I support the leaders of our country. I may not always agree (in fact, I usually don't) with everything they have to say. I don't always agree with the laws and standards that are implemented. However, I also don't envy the job of an official who will NEVER please everyone. I know that our laws are put in place to protect us and our freedoms.I know that even if something isn't going our way, we have a right to vote against it AND when all else fails, we only have to endure it for 4 years before things can change up again anyway.
Third, I know we are the land of the free. Look at any other country in the world. Where else can the average citizen decide 100% their own destiny?? Look at Oprah. She came from impoverished circumstances, endured abuse, persecution, and general hardship. After working hard and searching for opportunities she has become arguably one of the most inspirational AND successful women of all time. Need another example? Jim Carrey dropped out of high school to try to salvage his families financial situation after his father was laid off. He took on two jobs, but the family still lost their home and ended up living in a van. Now, he is a multimillionaire. And there are so many more examples of regular people who rise to success and strive for greatness. It is possible because we are free.
Fourth, our country defends itself. I'm not sure where I stand politically. I'm not sure what party I will register for when I register to vote, I don't know the ins and outs of how I feel about every military issue, but I know that our country demands respect and defends its integrity. When I was younger (and maybe even still today) I used to tease my younger siblings to no end. It was like a hobby! But oddly enough, if anyone else EVER tried to tease them, it was go time. That was not acceptable. Have you ever noticed that that is pretty much exactly how our nation is today? We may not have it all together within the "home," but if anyone EVER tries to mess with us, it is go time. I am so glad that's the way it is. Call me crazy, but I feel much better knowing I live in a country where people aren't just rolling over and playing dead. I am forever indebted to the people who go out every day and fight for the rights we are given.
I mean, maybe that's an overly-simplified outlook, but I truly believe it's that simple! The United States of America is, frankly, the home of the free and the land of the brave. We are bound together by the same stubborn, opinionated, egotistical personalities that often pull us apart. If it wasn't so, we would not be the land we are today. I know that many people my age complain about the government more than count it as a blessing, but I think it's more because we want to be contrary to what we're told, because I think that if everyone just took a moment to consider what we're blessed with, there would be a better reaction than just disdain and complaints.
Regarding the Veterans and my poppy, I just want to say that I salute you. I salute each and every individual that has, does, and will serve our country. I thank you from the deepest reaches of my heart. I wear my poppy proudly in remembrance of those who so willingly sacrifice everything, every day, so that I may continue to love this land. I can't help but beam when I hear patriotic songs. I can't help but get the chills when I see a soldier in uniform. Walking on campus, I sometimes hear the ROTC shouting their cadences, barking orders, and pushing each other to go that extra mile and I have to just stop and marvel at the gratitude and pride that fills my soul. We are blessed beyond measure. I don't think the naysaying could ever reach a point where it would sway me of my immense gratitude for being blessed to live here, it's just that wonderful. No matter how uncertain, no matter how far out, not matter how intense it gets up on Capitol Hill, I will always love this country and the every day Americans that make it what it is. My cup runneth over.
I love our Veterans and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
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