Students are taught the Pledge of Allegiance at an early age. They are expected to recite these words at every morning's school announcements. By engaging in this activity, they are expected to feel patriotism or love for their country and the sacrifice it took to build it. Like all students, I recited this pledge, but instead of feeling an immense surge of patriotism, I felt like I was participating in a mundane activity that was monopolizing my morning. I continued to feel this way throughout high school. I learned that I felt this way no because I did not love my country, but because I did not know what it meant to be patriotic.

It was not until I embarked on a journey overseas that I learned the true meaning of patriotism. During one segment of our travels, my group ventured over to Normandy beaches. Prior to this experience, I had only a vague knowledge of D-Day. The only concept I took away from most lessons about this monumental day was that the Allies (U.S.) had vanquished the enemy. However, it was not until I stepped foot inside a German bunker on these beaches that the magnitude of this day truly sank in. I was standing where so many German soldiers stood waiting for the arrival of our troops. I was looking out at the waters that carried our soldiers to the greatest battle of their lives. I touched the sand that had been stained crimson from the lost lives of innocent people so many years before. During this experience, the only thought I could muster was "Wow" as tears streamed down my face.

It was not until this moment that the idea of patriotism clicked. Patriotism is not about idly reciting a pledge or about lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July. Patriotism is about acknowledging the men and women who bravely give their lives in order to protect this land and its people. Patriotism is about being humbled when a soldier walks by or feeling pride when the American flag is presented and the national anthem is sung. Patriotism is about looking out at the beaches of Normandy and feeling a sense of "awe."

When you say the Pledge of Allegiance, be cognizant of the words you are saying. When you see the American flag flying majestically in the wind, take a moment to acknowledge the true beauty of its design and meaning. When you encounter a soldier, whether or not in uniform, shake his or her hand and say, "Thank you." Finally, if you ever have the opportunity to stand on any of the Normandy beaches, be grateful for the white sand and blue seas that were once a deep shade of crimson.