by Katie Ryan

Created on: July 21, 2009

Although I'm American and consider myself patriotic, I spent the better part of my Fourth of July this year paying tribute to Bouboulina, the first female admiral and liberator of modern Greece. While their history of independence and concept of freedom is culturally different than mine, I suppose the shared spirit for independence is what counts more than anything. That being said, I still stood out obnoxiously at the bar that night in red, white, and blue while drinking Jaeger-bombers for the love of my country.

Next to knocking back cocktails and mismatching outfits intentionally, what do I consider patriotism? For one thing, I know it has nothing to do with tedious rituals or showy displays. (It really is okay to fold the flag the wrong way or find yourself skipping out on the local parade.) Patriotism can be felt just by being comfortable in your own home. Feeling pride for one's country is simply impractical if you dread returning from an international vacation or business trip. There's something to be said for being patient during the hour wait at baggage claim on the return trip. You're supposed to enjoy coming home.

Patriotism doesn't need defending. If there's one thing I am absolutely sure of, it's that being patriotic isn't a contest. I won't deny it can be fun watching neighbors battle it out over who has the best flag display, but pulling off the best backyard barbeque on Independence Day doesn't get to the heart of why we love our country. Don't panic- even if you don't set a single jell-o mold this year, you're lack of kitschy enthusiasm won't pose a threat to your national identity.

I see patriotism every day. I see it painted on the faces of men and women fighting fires in the arid hills of my hometown in California. I see it in the sweat of teenage boys mowing lawns for the sake of some extra pocket money. I see it in the compassion of teachers serving day in and day out for the betterment of their students. It pervades the activities we do in our everyday lives. As trivial as our routines may seem, it's just as American as anything could be. Almost everything we do stems from a freedom granted in our nation's founding documents. We've come a long way in expanding our rights equally, and that much is evident in our everyday actions.

The magic behind our concept of freedom is that it changes over time. Unlocked by our freedom of speech, we have the power to shape our conditions as we see fit. Speaking freely on your own behalf is patriotism in itself, if only wholly American. In some ways, it can be seen as a paradox when criticizing your country and loving it can be one in the same, but it's also the American way.

So no matter where you come from or where you're going, nothing is more comforting than feeling love for one's country. Whatever counts as being patriotic is irrelevant compared to the feelings patriotism generates in the form of a national, cultural identity. No man is an island just as no person can detach themselves from their inherent homeland sentiment.

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