What Does True Patriotism Mean To You
The definition of Patriotism is the love of and devotion to one's own country. I started this essay with my view on patriotism decided. While writing this essay, my mind and heart has been enriched with understanding of what Patriotism means. This enrichment came from interviewing people that have been in the military to get a first hand opinions, and applying their experience to my own.
Our soldiers are risking everything needed to keep America the way our forefathers set out for it to be. Some are loosing limbs, some their sanity and some the highest price; their lives. I have always believed it takes certain people to do certain jobs. Teachers must be patient and doctors must be cautious and careful. A soldier must be selfless. Soldiers are heroes with nothing in mind but their duty and it's purpose. Some of our soldiers fighting overseas are no older than eighteen years of age. They are giving up the best times of their lives to protect our country.
I interviewed Sarasota Military Academy student Christopher Bennett. Christopher is seventeen years old, and a Senior who will graduated in May of 2009. He is enlisted in an Infantry Unit in the Florida Army National Guard and may deploy to Iraq in 2010. I asked him if attending a military school influenced his decision to join the National Guard and he replied, “No, but it has helped teach me the proper leadership skills needed for my future occupation.” He felt he was meant to do this and will do what is necessary to succeed in his missions to come. I asked him how his parents felt about his decision to join the military. His father was accepting of his choice, his mother was not. We talked about the world trade center, his current career opportunities besides the military and his plans to attend college after his tour of duty is over. At the end of my interview I looked at the reddened face in front of me. I wanted to hold him like a child and shield him from what he...
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