What is your patriotism story? Why do you love your country?

It’s hard to admit, but I was in my early twenties before I truly grasped the concept of love of country and discovered I had a patriotism story. I still remember the moment: sitting with my new husband at the 4th of July parade in Provo, Utah.

Provo’s Freedom Festival is a larger than life celebration. Upon our arrival, my husband’s grandma handed us light-up red, white and blue necklaces, flag bandanas and sun shields. She giggled as she watched us put it all on and warned us to cover our ears when the loud cannons passed by at the beginning of the parade. Then as the the veterans passed, everyone stood with their hands over their hearts and many members of my husband’s family had tears glistening on their cheeks. I suddenly found that I did, as well. In the midst of fun, sunshine and family, I felt more patriotic than I ever had before because of what those men had done.

What is your patriotism story? When have you felt that stirring in your heart – buttons bursting with pride because of your love for the red, white and blue? Have you told your family or recorded your feelings? If you haven’t I would encourage you to do so. It helps to reflect and brings greater understanding to those who will follow us. As our country becomes increasingly polarized, it may be important for our youth to understand the source of our patriotism and remember why our country exists. Or consider where were you on significant dates in the history of our country. Those memories have value as well.

My Patriotism Story – Love and Respect For Country and Family

Independence Hall in Philly. The place where it all happened. I have visited there a few times and have great reverence for this spot.

I was always taught to love and respect my country growing up – it was kind of an unspoken love we had in our family, not something we talked of often. I grew up in a town where the biggest summer celebration occurred around July 24th (our city’s “Pioneer Days”) and so it was then I felt the pride of my ancestors. It wasn’t until I married into the Trotter family that I was totally enveloped in what it meant to be “proud to be an American.”

In his family, being American is something they are extremely proud of. My husband’s grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II. His time in the war was hard on him and on their family, and it had life-changing effects. But we are all proud of his service and know the value of freedom because of it. Growing up, I always took that freedom for granted.

I live within 15 miles of a major air force base, so I grew up with jets flying overhead on a daily basis. We just learned to break our conversations when the jets came by. One of the first times my father-in-law came to visit, he was awed by them. He looked all around to see the jets passing by. I then realized that sound of freedom was something to enjoy and admire.

What sparks feelings of patriotism?

There are other things that spark patriotism in our lives as well. I always feel patriotic when I vote. What a gift to be able to exercise our freedoms at the voting booth! Politics have become quite polarized over the last few years, and so taking my opinions and beliefs into the voting booth means more to me now than ever. In fact, Election Day is often a time I reflect and write in my journal my thoughts on freedom.

My husband pointing to the gravesite of his ancestor in Louisiana.

Recently, I had an interesting experience as my husband, son and I visited Louisiana, a place rich with stories for my husband’s family. As we did some family history, we discovered we both had family members who fought in the Civil War. I was humbled as we visited a cemetery in New Orleans and found what we thought was the grave of my husband’s great-great-uncle. He was placed in a soldier’s grave only with a number.

I don’t know his whole story or why he fought, but as I walked through that cemetery and looked at countless markers of soldiers buried in grave after grave from different wars, I felt a deep sense of not only patriotism but gratitude. How I love, honor, and respect those that fought for my freedom!

My father-in-law in his perfect July 4th pose. I love it!

Celebrating with Meaning

As the years have passed, our Independence Day celebrations have been constant. We would go to Provo, watch the parade and the hot air balloons, and then head to grandma’s for a huge barbecue, epic water fight and of course, a nap. About 20 years ago, those festivities changed a bit when my oldest daughter declared her independence by being on born on the Fourth of July. We then added in flag cake, ice cream and sparkler candles. It has always given the holiday extra meaning for our family.

For me, Independence Day celebrations really begin on Memorial Day. I love visiting the cemeteries to see flags lining the roadways or carefully placed at grave markers for those who served or who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. The feeling of patriotism lingers as the days move to flag day and then ultimately Independence Day. Recently we visited Grandpa Trotter’s grave on Memorial Day and my heart was full when I saw that little flag by his grave.

My beautiful daughter shares her birthday with America.

It’s about freedom.

For many, Independence Day is one of their favorite holidays, only rivaled by Christmas. Why? The feelings, the family, and the fun. Family almost always gathers for the big day. I know some families that focus their reunions around that day or that weekend. Shopping is even done to find the best red, white and blue to wear – I bought mine about a month ago. Hamburgers and hot dogs are found on almost every grill and watermelon rinds are in every garbage can. It’s the essence of summer, but it’s something more.

We celebrate freedom and all it represents. The parades, the BBQ’s, the water fights all mean that we can do it. We can be free and do all those things because of what happened in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, on the beaches of Normandy, in the deserts of Afghanistan, in the streets of Germany. All of that meant something.

What is your patriotism story?

So now my question remains, what is your patriotism story? What makes you want to put your hand on your heart? For me it’s the thought of white-haired Grandpa Trotter, who had beautiful dark hair when he served, shivering in a fox hole in France and hoping to make it out alive so he could someday have a family. It’s the first bars of The Battle Hymn of the Republic or the last words, “Glory, glory Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!” And it’s watching my father-in-law, clad in his best Hawaiian shirt, grilling burgers on the big holiday, laughing at the grandkids and celebrating life, celebrating freedom.

Sharing your thoughts on freedom can be deep and personal, but profound. I encourage you to do it. Think of the moments, of why you love your country. Having a sense of place, a sense of freedom, is nothing to be taken for granted. Write it down. Record it. Share it. Look for some old photos and share them. Also, make sure to take plenty of photos this week and share those too! The spirit of patriotism is contagious and deserves to be remembered tomorrow through your stories of today.

Rachel J. Trotter is a senior writer/editor at Evalogue.Life – Tell Your Story. She tells people’s stories and shares hers to encourage others. She loves family storytelling. A graduate of Weber State University, she has had articles featured on LDSLiving.com and Mormon.org. Rachel and her husband Mat have six children and live on the East Bench in Ogden, Utah.

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What’s Your Patriotism Story?