What Demonstrated Patriotism Means to Me

A great man once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; but what you can
do for your country.” Many great citizens have demonstrated patriotism throughout history;
especially during times of war. When I think of patriotism, my mind immediately visualises
my grandfather, a United States Air Force Vietnam War veteran. He was the epitome of
patriotism. He was in the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He was in
the armed forces for 23 years. Every time my grandfather (Papa) saw an American flag, tears
filled his eyes, and his bottom lip would quiver. He would be lost for words and unable to
speak. Sometimes my Papa would share stories with me about the Vietnam War and how he
wished his mind could erase the things he had seen. Unfortunately, most all of his war stories
ended with he and I sobbing together. He couldn’t finish the stories because of the flashback
of memories that would take him back to the saddest part of his life.
Patriotism goes beyond the wars that have shaped this country’s identity- it is the
unending passion demonstrated by medics during emergency response, the teachers imparting
skills in the young generation, and in giving back to society. Papa was a young soldier in
Vietnam, and his duty was putting soldiers killed in war onto the airplanes to be shipped back
to the United States. Although it was a duty nobody preferred to have, Papa, told me he
counted it as an honor. Even though the soldiers no longer had air in their lungs, they were all
brothers. With tears streaming down his face, he saluted the soldier and American flag placed
over their bodies to be shipped back to the United States. He said the quote ‘all gave some,
some gave all’ is what that is talking about. Those deceased soldiers sacrificed everything –
including their life – for the freedom that we have today.
Without doubt, hanging the American flag is recognized as one of the biggest symbols
of patriotism. However, it is just the tip of the iceberg as patriotism is not just about the

physical demonstration of love for one’s country but also a mental state. It is about freedom,
respect to constitutional laws, justice and the compassion we have for our fellow citizens.
Although Papa always taught me what patriotism is all about, his love, devotion, freedom,
and pride for his country was instilled in me from an early age. I lost my hero and best friend
on February 1, 2016. He was 74 years old. Because of my Papa, every single time I see the
American flag, I am thankful that I know the true meaning of patriotism. May God Bless
America!