Today, as you read in the comfort of your home or workplace, there is an attack on a principle that built this country: patriotism. A quote by Lord Acton says, "Patriotism is in political life what faith is in religion." I don't define myself as religious, but as a person of faith. I hate politics, but I sure do love my country. I would expect any other person from a foreign land to love their country also. Citizens who hold strong emotional attachments to their country are the ones who build it up and make it strong. Sadly, a love of country is something that is stifled and scoffed at today. Children are being raised and taught that America is not that great and it is arrogant to be proud of where you come from. (Sorry for sounding a bit like Donald Trump, but my views on that subject are a topic for another day.) Children do not hold the same reverence and awe in their eyes when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as my classmates and my parent's generations did. I think it may be safe to say it isn't something that is emphasized in schools as much as it used to be. There's something going on that I like to call patriot shaming. It goes hand in hand with issues such as white guilt and political correctness, among others. I see it in the media and Hollywood all the time: those that passionately show their love for their nation are mocked, made fun of, and laughed at. They are called radical, uneducated, bigoted, xenophobic, and arrogant. Why is it such a bad thing to be proud of where you are from?

I grew up in the Bible Belt, and God willing, this is where I'll stay. I'd love to see the world, and I plan on it, but I'm proud of where I'm from. Growing up, I had history teachers that instilled in me the importance of history, liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and democracy. I grew to have a strong passion for America and the history that built her. I owe that to my history teachers in high school and college, as well as my parents for fostering and nurturing my patriotism. It wasn't until a few years ago I noticed a difference in the way society views people like me. This country is dramatically different than it was almost fifteen years ago when we held each other’s’ hands in unity while under attack. It’s frightening how far we have come from that day. Apparently today, if you boldly speak about how great this country is, it means you hate other countries and cultures except your own. Patriots are screamed at, “ You are arrogant. Don’t you realize America isn’t any better than any other country? What makes you think America is so great? We are no better than any other nation! ” I can't fathom how this ideal came to be, but I want to say this: I love America. I have traveled to Mexico and the Caribbean. I one day hope to travel to Europe and Asia and anywhere else the road leads me. I have a tremendous respect for these cultures and countries and the history that shaped them and how they have shaped the world. That doesn't mean I can't have a greater love for my own country. I reserve the right to think America is the greatest place on earth.

I want to call upon every history teacher, every public official, every parent, and everyone in general to bring back patriotism. Patriotism gives us unity, devotion, hope, and sense of duty. It instills in us the importance of protecting liberty and justice for all for generations to come. Defend the tie that binds us to our great nation. If we don't love our nation, she will crumble. If we don't instill in the next generation that they are blessed to be living in the land of hope, opportunity, and liberty, then who will defend her? Stop shaming patriotism. And stop feeling ashamed for the love you hold for your country.

"If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag."