For more than 150 years, we have set aside a day to honor those Americans who sacrificed everything in service to our country.
They sacrificed in service to our Constitution. They sacrificed for the future of their families. They sacrificed for American freedom, liberty, and ideals. They sacrificed for the service members next to them on the battlefield. Never, at the core of their service, have they sacrificed for a political party or the propping up of one man who wields the power of Commander in Chief.
Today, though, we see our department of defense being politically weaponized in the name of strengthening the Trump administration and its agenda. We see it used in the name of honoring a man known for his disparaging remarks over the last decade about casualties of war being “suckers and losers” and our most respected veterans not being “winners” because they became prisoners of war. We see it happening in the name of a man who stands behind gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery giving a thumbs up for photo ops. We saw it this weekend in a politically-charged commencement address at West Point where Trump glorified himself and barely paid lip service to the men and women who serve.
These are not the things that nearly 1.2 million Americans sacrificed their lives for in wartime over the last 250 years.
The False Patriot
Across the country, Republicans have taken the flag and American patriotism hostage through holiday rhetoric and red, white and blue displays creating a facade of reverence and respect. Quotes and speeches, parades and flag ceremonies are not patriotism without respect for and support of the principles Americans have sacrificed for.
We can’t allow Republicans to make patriotism their own through their scripted performances. We are patriots in actions, and we often eschew the grandiose gestures employed by Republicans, but we must be proud of our patriotism and share it, promote it and always remind Americans the difference in patriotism in practice versus patriotism for show.
The Real Patriotism in America
Democrats today are fighting for the future of our Constitution, which is at the heart of every sacrifice made by those who took the oath to defend it. While Republicans are working to manipulate or negate portions of our sacred document, we must always shine a light on their efforts while fighting against them.
The real patriots support our service members the same way those who have given their lives in combat did on the battlefield. Not with cuts to veterans services, but by honoring and providing the critical services and benefits they have earned.
The real patriots support all Americans, regardless of gender, race, color, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, because the men and women we honor on Memorial Day died for the freedom, liberty and opportunity for the American Dream of every American, not simply a chosen few.
Stand Proud Every Day
Take back patriotism, and make sure it is displayed on a foundation of work and dedication to the principles of our Constitution and American ideals.
Fly your American flag proudly every day, think about the importance of all they have given every day, and talk about the pride and the work that goes with it. We must all do the little things every day to honor them. It is impossible to give as much, and we owe them a lifetime of working to make this country worthy of their sacrifice.
Featured Image Attribution: “Memorial Day Ceremony – North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial – May 31, 2010” by US Army Africa is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit Creative Commons.