by Barbara Stanley

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2009

Do younger Americans care about patriotism today? I believe they care about America. They care if we are helping our fellow man in countries who lack the resources to care for themselves. They care if we meddle in affairs that we have no business meddling in. Young Americans cannot be all lumped together as patriots or unpatriotic. I believe the majority of young people who have parents or close relatives serving in the military have a much better understanding of patriotism. There is also a group of young Americans who are too busy scrapping to stay alive, striving to make it through another day, and do not have an incentive to be patriotic.

There are groups of young Americans involved in political parties, learning how our country runs and getting prepared to be future leaders of America. We also see many volunteer groups with young members who care about the quality of life for all our citizens and even the citizens of third world countries who lack the resources we have available in America. I believe there are increasing numbers of young citizens in America who realize what a great country we have and how important it is to get involved in political actions that protect our liberties and our rights. They are more aware of how their state representatives and senators vote on issues that directly affect them and their families.

It is too difficult to say if there are more or fewer patriots among young Americans. What is apparent is the lack of patriotism taught in schools and homes. Visit a high school sports event and look around as our national anthem is sung. Young people do not remove their hats. Has anyone taught them this is disrespectful? They do not place their hands over their hearts. They talk and laugh during the opening prayer. Is it just a case of being young and devil-may-care? Let us hope so, but let us be about the teaching of patriotism. It is not something that is innate and will manifest itself at some magic time in a young person's life. Our future depends on how our next generation feels about America. Where there is no patriotism, there is no loyalty. Where there is no loyalty, there is no America. Without a strong faith in God, we become as other nations who are in constant chaos, under dictators, and without proper leadership.

The future of America depends upon the patriotism of our younger citizens. Learning our history and participating in local events such as Memorial Day parades, decorating for Veterans' Day, visiting museums on Independence Day, and celebrating Presidents' Day, will instill a sense of pride in our accomplishments in this country. A sense of patriotism is established through volunteering to clean up your community, picking up trash along roadsides, and attending local political rallies. I see these things happening with more of our younger citizens being involved. I hope this show of patriotism continues.

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