No Doubt About Patriotism

Patriotic Cornucopia
A collection of Essays
from Cornucopia by Kate Chamberlin Published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper, 1994-2004

No Question About Patriotism
September 17, 1997 WCS
Kate’s Blog Aug25-2010

Jeopardy is one of my favorite TV shows.It gives you the answer and you have to come up with the question.
Okay. Here’s the answer. Remember to phrase your response in the form of a question:
“BLANK is more than a sentiment; it is a conviction based upon a comprehension of the duties of a citizen and a determination loyally to perform such duties. Patriotism is love of country, come of familiarity with its history, reverence for its institutions and faith in its possibilities, and is evidenced by obedience to its laws and respect for the flag.”
I’m sorry. The answer took up all your time, so, what is your answer, er, I mean question?
The correct response is PATRIOTISM.
The above definition is found in a book called
AManual of Patriotism@. It is a book, authorized by an Act of our New York State Legislature and was published in 1900. it was compiled and edited by Charles R. Skinner, then State Superintendent of Public Instruction at that time.
It contains many patriotic writings and songs that are still used today in our public and private schools.
Patriotic is often an adjective used to describe members of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and they’d be correct.
The Col. William Prescott Chapter of the NSDAR., located in Newark, NY, opens its meeting with a ritual of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, a reciting of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States and singing The National Anthem.
The bonds that DAR members have, just by virtue of their ancestor fighting–and some of them dieing–in the American Revolution, provide a strong empitice toward being patriotic. They have family members who felt strongly enough to lay down their lives for the ideal that is our daily life now.
Constitution Week is September 17 through 23. When was the last time you read through the constitution and flown the American flag? Do you stand when the American Flag passes by in a parade? Guys, do you take off your hat when our National anthem is played?
It’s a matter of practice what you preach. We can’t expect our children to be patriotic if we don’t role model courage, strength of character and determination.
Here is one final Jeopardy answer: Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through 31. Even before a single red ribbon was worn in response to the death of a drug enforcement officer, red ribbons were sewn onto our BLANK.
There is no question about it. It’s our American Flag.
Copyright © 2010 by Kate Chamberlin. All rights reserved.