I’m very patriotic, not quite certain where it stems from.
Could it be the Flag that waved from our porch every Memorial Day and 4th of July?
My dad was in the Royal Air Force during World War II, something he never talked about. When you think he more or less drank himself to death, it’s easy to do the math. 
Am I a Proud American because of him you think?
Or are the framers 
the ones who straighten my spine whenever I hear the Star Spangled Banner, whether it’s from Arlington or a Yankee Game.
Is it Lincoln? 
Teddy? 
John Kennedy Junior saluting his dad? 
All I know is, no matter what shape America is in, I still stand by her in full-fledged faith, believing she’ll rally since she’ll always be the greatest country in the world.
Memorial Day is in honor of all the men and women who served her nobly, without complaint.
My dad was in his 20s when he shipped out, much like the boys in Vietnam whose names grace the iconic Wall in Washington. 
My dad came back, at least physically.
They did not.
I visit The Vietnam Memorial 
now and again, and maybe the tears I shed reading the names of the fallen, are what makes me that Proud American.
God bless them.
God Bless America. 
SB
An outstanding tribute that you wrote from pride – not arrogance. A salute to you for your wonderful personalized salute.
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You know Frank, I truly am not being coy when I say, I don’t know where my blind patriotism comes from, but i have it, down to my socks. My Country Tis of Thee…fuckin A.
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You have authentic patriotism grounded in your core … Not the obnoxious in your face type.
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As it should be!
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Yep. Cheers to your core and heart
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They’re bowing. 🙂
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Thanks Susannah. Far too many forget what this holiday is meant to symbolize and remember. In school, students are taught dates and battle results. Individual stories of sacrifice would resonate so much more.
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I know so many. Heartbreaking. Ever watch the film with Dana Andrews and Myrna Loy…Best Years of Our Lives? 1946…won 7 Oscars. They should show it in schools. It’s the best ever, even now.
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Hooray for the USA! I’m patriotic, too. I love this country, and the older I get, the more aware I am of how blessed we are to have been born here.
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You said it sista!!!
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😎🇺🇸
~Hal Rubenstein From my iPhone
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Well said, Hal!!!
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Thank you, Susannah. Beautifully penned. I become very emotional whenever I hear songs about America! Shedding tears of pride and love for this most awesome country. Like you, I am so thankful that I was born here. My husband’s grandfather rode with Teddy Roosevelt, my husband served 32 years, in two wars and thankfully returned in one piece physically; so many did not.
God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam.
God bless America…my home sweet home!
God bless America, my home sweet home. P.S. God please, please stay with us, please! I love this country so much. Always have, always will; God bless all those who have served and be with those who still serve.
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Was Gramps a Rough Rider? Now that’s impressive. I did know about your husband. I guess patriotism has to be in your blood, somewhere. It’s very comforting during times of uncertainty, like now, to know and remember our history since, she’s been in tough spots before and always prevails. Long may she wave. Happy Memorial Day Vasca.
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Beautifully written and expressed Susannah. My dad was a naval aviator during WWII, and he also came back but died of cancer five years later. Sitting on the flight deck day after day waiting to take off and inhaling high octane aviation fuel fumes was not the best for an asthmatic. He was proud to serve and would be delighted to read your post. Thank you.
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Oh John, this made me cry. I’ll remember to salute your Dad tomorrow.
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Thank you. 🌹
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Thank you !!!
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A lovely tribute to the country you call home.
Like a boyfriend or a girlfriend, we always think our own is the best and most beautiful. And I think it is how it should be.
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🙂
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Like the boyfriend/girlfriend analogy. 🙂
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I think it’s only fair 😉
One brother-in-law says he got the most beautiful sister;
The other one says HE did
And my husband told them, no, HE did
I think it’s win-win 😉
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A dapper draw. 🙂
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I like to think so.
Maybe one day I’ll be the most beautiful of the three to someone. 😉
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I’m sure of it!
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Not that I’m looking, to tell the truth… but hey, I am not closed to the possibility.
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That’s when it happens, when a girl is self-possessed. It’s when we’re at our most alluring, when the hunt commences.
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This is true.
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🙂
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Your well crafted post reminds me of a quote:
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official.”― Theodore Roosevelt
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Teddy is an idol of mine, and I’ve often wondered what he’d think of all this. I remember during peace time, he sent the whole fleet on a tour around the world so every one would be reminded, we were still on our toes.
John Quincy Adams, when asked, what party did he belong to said…Sir, I belong to no Party, I represent the people.
Lincoln, when Edwin Stanton, his tough Secretary of War would argue, when Lincoln refused signing an order of execution, the punishment for a soldier deserting saying, it was a high crime to desert, Abe would say, he didn’t desert, the lad was just homesick.
Leaders, with heart. Leaders, with clear vision.
Those were the days!!! Memorial Day…2020
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Great post. I think everyone should be patriotic towards their own country. Despite what some people seem to think, it’s patriotic to point out the shortcomings of your country and try to make it better. Happy Memorial Day. I hope it is peaceful.
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I know many people who just don’t care. Means nothing to them. Just now I was looking at photos of Arlington, the flags they place on all the graves and started to weep. The simplicity of remembrance. So moving, so necessary for those left behind to mourn, no matter how many years go by. Loss, it lives in your heart, beating bravely for the fallen. I appreciate what you wrote.
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A beautiful tribute, SB. Your love of country shines through, not just in this wonderful piece, but every time you speak of these things.
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Been a weepy day. Was looking at photos of Arlington, with the flags on all the graves. It’s so impressive when you think how many there are. Did you know, it started during the Civil War when Montgomery Meigs, the Quartermaster General, started burying the union dead in Mrs. Robert E. Lee’s rose garden? It was their home they lost when Lee chose the southern cause. Meigs had just lost a son and was angry and I guess said, fuck it, and that’s how the iconic cemetery was sired. When you go, those first graves are so old, yet majestic knowing, if only they could talk, the tales they’d tell. A little lofty lore to commemorate the day.
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Having interviewed veterans of WW2 and Vietnam, I am always amazed at their humility and their belief in service. To a man, they would do it again. No matter the hell they saw, and the things they carried back with them.
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Just read Slaughterhouse 5, and you get more than a worthy sample.
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Yes you do
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Just heard Kurt clap from the ether.
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And so it goes . . .
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Welcome to the Monkey House. I think it’s fascinating you interviewed veterans. Would have liked to have done that. Of course, I’d be mewling the whole time. My girl front and center totin a box of Kleenex.
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To a man, they were candid, gracious and humble. I felt like I had been given a gift each time, a lesson worth keeping till the lights go out.
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Why don’t you write about it. Would be some essay.
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I’ve got to find em. That’s a good idea.
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Yeah. They sound golden..You could then send it in someplace. Don’t waste it on the blog. Not that blog essays are a waste, but sometimes you pen something that could be sold, or even just printed in a periodical of sorts. Or a newspaper? You write so well. My two cents.
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These ran in the local papers back when. I haven’t written any of them for the blog actually.
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Try to find them. 🙂
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I am a bit weepy now myself, as I was able to find a piece I wrote back in 2009 about Harry Adams. A WW2 Veteran. I posted it. Thanks to you. Big thanks to you, SB.
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Will read it. 🙂
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