Written especially for PatrioticMoms.com
by Laurie Cockerell, of ConservativeChildrensBooks.com
Patriotism means something different to every citizen, but there are certain traits that most would agree can be used to describe true American patriots.
A Patriot Understands Our Country’s History
He knows America’s founding principles and is familiar with the Constitution and other documents that are cornerstones of our country’s system. He studies not only American history, but the history of his own family. Our ancestors sacrificed a great deal to emigrate to America, and once we realize when and why they arrived we can better understand history’s timeline and our family’s role as citizens. He understands the mechanics of our economic system and why the United States is historically one of the wealthiest and most generous countries in the world.
A Patriot Understands Our System of Government
She knows how our system works, and how it enables us to survive - and even thrive - during times of hardship and differences of opinion. She also realizes the importance of participation in this system. She may or may not run for office, but she will hopefully understand political issues, vote and maybe even campaign for a favorite candidate.
A Patriot Knows Our American Heroes
If we can recognize heroes of today and yesterday, we can come to the conclusion that we all have roles and contributions in our society. And if we can analyze the traits of our heroes, we can also strive to emulate them and perhaps see that we all have the capability to bring great change and honor to our community and country.
A Patriot Has Pride and Love for our Land and People
He studies and learns about our entire country, so that he can actually envision the words “from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam”. He also has knowledge of and an appreciation for American music, art and literature.
A Patriot is Aware of Current Events and their Significance
She knows the issues of the day and how they will affect our future. She knows the law and can analyze whether a law is good, bad, and/or constitutional. Finally, she is aware of not only national issues, but current state and community issues as well.
A Patriot Understands Our Country’s History
He knows America’s founding principles and is familiar with the Constitution and other documents that are cornerstones of our country’s system. He studies not only American history, but the history of his own family. Our ancestors sacrificed a great deal to emigrate to America, and once we realize when and why they arrived we can better understand history’s timeline and our family’s role as citizens. He understands the mechanics of our economic system and why the United States is historically one of the wealthiest and most generous countries in the world.
A Patriot Understands Our System of Government
She knows how our system works, and how it enables us to survive - and even thrive - during times of hardship and differences of opinion. She also realizes the importance of participation in this system. She may or may not run for office, but she will hopefully understand political issues, vote and maybe even campaign for a favorite candidate.
A Patriot Knows Our American Heroes
If we can recognize heroes of today and yesterday, we can come to the conclusion that we all have roles and contributions in our society. And if we can analyze the traits of our heroes, we can also strive to emulate them and perhaps see that we all have the capability to bring great change and honor to our community and country.
A Patriot Has Pride and Love for our Land and People
He studies and learns about our entire country, so that he can actually envision the words “from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam”. He also has knowledge of and an appreciation for American music, art and literature.
A Patriot is Aware of Current Events and their Significance
She knows the issues of the day and how they will affect our future. She knows the law and can analyze whether a law is good, bad, and/or constitutional. Finally, she is aware of not only national issues, but current state and community issues as well.
