The word patriotism evokes strong emotions among Americans today.

An overwhelming majority of people consider themselves to be patriots, while a misguided minority considers it their patriotic duty to tear down the very concept of patriotism and its symbols. Those who have never understood what true patriotism is oppose any suggestion that real patriotism embraces certain vital elements of mind, heart and attitude, along with sincere actions.

I have come to understand that true patriots do possess these elements.

The element of loyalty. Loyalty means as the song says, "Stand beside her, and guide her..." no matter what. Patriotic Americans are loyal to our country. They put self aside in order to do the right thing for America and in doing so they ensure the continuance of this life of freedom that we hold so dear.

Loyalty is never selling out America in favor of personal gain, such as the politicians and corporations have done by betraying this country for foreign interests, or like those guilty of treason for selling our nation's delicate secrets.

Then there are the citizens who will be the first to blame America for all of the problems in the world, while it is America that gives them the opportunity to change the world by voting, a privilege unheard of in many other countries. These same citizens will conveniently "forget" to vote on Election Day, not get around to it, or the best excuse, they claim their vote won't count. These same citizens are the ones who want to replace tried and true values, laws and principles with the new age thinking of destruction. Loyalty means faithfulness to our country and the ideals that make her great. Patriots are loyal to America first.

Then there is the element of love. I truly love America, and to be a true patriot you must possess a deep love for this country we live in, prosper in, and even take refuge in from our enemies. If loving America is not in your heart, then you are not a patriot. Real love is always expressed by one word, unconditional. I am willing to go even further and say, either love it or leave it.

There is also the element of sacrifice. As President John Kennedy so eloquently stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country." Patriotism is honoring every man and woman who sacrificed their lives to defend the very freedom that we cherish. In the song, "I'm Proud to be An American," by Lee Greenwood, is this line, "I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me."

Freedom and the maintenance of freedom always require sacrifice. Unfortunately some members of our nation believe that America should be responsible for providing them with everything, but that mind set will eventually drain the financial incentive and life from our nation if we do not wake up. Patriots personally sacrifice for the good of all living and future generations.

Pride is an important element of patriotism. As the National Anthem is being sung or played, patriots get a lump in their throats and tears in their eyes as they hear the verse, "…so proudly we hail." Today, it is all too common to see others laughing or talking while the patriots are proudly singing the National Anthem. We see patriots placing their hands over their hearts while non-patriots won't because they believe that there is no reason for national pride. I disagree. We should be proud because America has been, and is the helping hand to its own people when they are in need. We have in the past, and continue to help starving and disaster victims in other countries. We have, and continue to send thousands of missionaries, missions doctors, and teachers to nations in spiritual darkness giving them help and showing them the light of the world. I am proud of America. What we have been, what we are, and hopefully what we shall continue to be. Proud of America, YES! A patriot must and will be.

I believe that a patriot sees it as his or her duty to pass the elements of patriotism on to their children and grandchildren. Teaching them to revere the symbols of freedom, teaching them the history of freedom, and teaching them how important being a patriot is to their very existence in the future. Patriots combat the lies in liberal history books and the false rhetoric of today by teaching our children the truth. Patriots pledge allegiance and nothing warms my heart more than seeing the flag waving, children singing, or reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. By passing patriotism on we guarantee America will always have patriots.

Another key element of patriotism is the Defense of America. Cowards never believe that America is worth defending. Patriotism believes in a strong military because we live in a world of unprecedented evil and we must protect ourselves.

Patriotism is always wholly supporting of the men and women of today who are fighting on foreign fields in order to protect their own families and other Americans from invasions by ruthless enemies with no hearts or human feelings for others. Patriotism will gladly fight and defend our country. I have lived in proximity to two Air Force bases and people would ask me, "Does the noise bother you?" I say, NO, because when those jets are flying overhead, that is the sound of freedom.

Thank God for those in our government, those in our military and other American citizens who have a crystal clear understanding that patriotism is what it takes to defend America.

I believe that respect for America, our flag, our Constitution, and the 10 Commandments are all vital to our being able to call ourselves a patriot. A patriot never burns a flag, abuses freedom or attempts to rewrite the National Anthem with words that are meaningless drivel. Patriots don't commit acts of loathing and mockery toward symbols that to the world represent true freedom, strength and compassion.

Finally patriotism expresses a deep gratefulness to God. In the song, God Bless America, we sing, "...and guide her through the night with a light from above..." God has guided America through many nights of war, economic depression, disasters, and sickness. He alone has preserved us. To ignore God's past and present watchful care over our nation is to prove ourselves ungrateful and unpatriotic. When and if the sweet milk of gratefulness to God dies in the heart of America's majority, we will pay the ultimate price.

May God bless America as we celebrate our independence as a free and mighty nation.

George Autry Jr. is chairman of America's Majority and author of Malice Cloaked in Liberty.

You must be logged in to comment.