What Is Patriotism: Donald Trump Embracing Our Nation’s Flag?
I served my country for 38 years, 23 with the Army Reserves. I also served three overseas tours (Bosnia, Panama, Afghanistan), all part of the collective pride in support of democracy and our national security. To serve and give to your country is a selfless contribution. These days when I see Donald Trump “embrace” our flag at rallies, I really wonder, what selfless act is that?
A patriotic citizen loves this country, will play their part to prevent destroying it, and always works to protect its interests. None of these elements do I observe Trump doing. The oath I gave to supporting and defending this nation, I still carry. I attend the regularly scheduled meetings of the regional chapter for the retired Military Officer’s Association (MOAA) and give back to the community through various sponsored events. We pledge allegiance to the flag before every chapter meeting. My mind wanders and I visualize the former president wrapping his arms around the flag. It’s not the same.
In times of crisis, patriotism unites us. The events of January 6 did the opposite. We witnessed a capitol rioter beat a DC police officer with a pole, flying the U.S. flag. As the crowd rushed into the Capitol, one of the most sacred grounds, which houses statues and paintings of our founding fathers who fought for our country’s freedom, it was apparent these were rioters, not patriots. Donald Trump has pledged that on his first day in office, he will pardon these “patriotic” individuals. He seems to be putting this event at the center of his election platform.
Patriotism is having concern for your country. I have seen him standing with his hand over his heart, American flags all around fluttering in the wind, with a recording of the Star Spangle Banner being played in the background, sung by the January 6 prison choir. This is an insult to all the men and women in uniform, and the patriots who work for a better America. This coming election is one where we establish that our patriotism and flag are about who we will be.
With patriotic holidays, and a national election fast approaching, they are all significant events that continue to define who we are. I leave you with a thought that is truer today, expressed by GEN Douglas MacArthur, “I am concerned for the security of our great nation, not so much because of any potential threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within, which opposed to all our great traditions, have gravely weakened the structure and tone of our American way of life.”
Photo courtesy of 2024 Bonanza
