Does Patriotism Still Matter? by Tony Grotjan
Author's Note- An essay on why patriotism matters for language arts class
Does patriotism still matter? I believe that is an absolutely ridiculous question. If patriotism doesn’t matter, then we should have just thrown in the towel in the revolutionary war. Of course it matters and if you don’t believe me, then read on and surly you will change your mind.
He was walking through the forest with beads of sweat dripping down his face. He could hear his own heart beating as he observed his surroundings with the other members of his squad, wondering if he would survive another day. That’s when he heard it. Beep, beep, beep. What was that sound? Then he saw it. There, on the ground was a small, flat object with a red flashing top. He knew what it was. The enemy’s bomb was waiting there, waiting to kill the whole squad. He knew he didn’t have much time. He rapidly considered his options. He knew what he had to do. Then swiftly, he made his move, leaping onto the bomb, enclosing it inside his arms and absorbing the blast as the bomb detonated, instantly vaporizing the brave hero.
Now imagine being that courageous individual’s family, having a normal, happy day until they heard the appalling news that would change their lives’ forever. Imagine all the agonizing grief and sorrow that they experienced. As if that weren’t enough, imagine having to experience that over a million times. That’s right. Over one million Americans have died while serving in the military during a war. In addition, about forty-two million Americans risked that same outcome.
It is people like the soldier that I just told you about that are real patriots. I believe patriotism is showing respect to those people. If you say patriotism doesn’t matter, then, in my opinion, you are saying that those one million, one hundred ninety thousand, one hundred nine people (and counting) died for no good reason. Well I disagree one hundred percent. Those people died for you and me and every single person on this great country we call America and we owe them a great deal of respect.
