Patriotism, this was a word I heard often when I was growing up. It seemed that America was founded upon it, men and women sacrificed their lives because of it, and we, as children were stronger for it. Maybe, because I'm older now, I long for it; but I don't hear it as often as I used to and I feel a sense of loss because of it.

Wikipedia defines patriotism as the love of and/or devotion to one's country. When I was a child, and to this day, that meant so much to me. I proudly stood, with my hand over my heart as we said the "Pledge of Allegiance". I felt a sense of "right" versus the chaos of wrong. I unashamedly sang the National Anthem (never hit the range right) with pride at the beginning of each game or sports event. I was honored to have my children rise in respect as the flag passed by and to have them lay their hands over their hearts in honor of the fallen men and women who sacrificed their all for their country.

I'm sure to some degree, I'm waxing sentimental. I can't apologize for that, I feel a loss. I remember the outrage when other countries burned our flag and now our "own" burn and desecrate it. I remember the outrage when the memorials and graves of our fallen were desecrated. The key word here is I "remember". Yes, there are a few quiet voices in the throng that show outrage when our country is defamed and our soldiers are mocked. If you listen, and breathe very softly, you can hear them scream.

I look around and I say to myself, are we better now that we no longer live in a country where patriotism matters. Where love of country used to mean something...I may be a lone voice, but I don't see any good that has come from it. If anything, we have sunk so far into the dark abyss of mediocrity and political correctness, we no longer care to show outrage, or are we afraid to show it? What happened to our voices? What happened to my voice? Did I allow myself to become so complacent that I no longer felt the pain and sorrow I used to feel when our country was mocked or denigrated?

Okay, enough of where we are. Where do we want to be? That's what I long to know. Maybe it’s the fact that I have grandchildren growing up today. Maybe, I just long for things as they used to be. Maybe I just need to get this out. I love my country! I don't love everything about it...but I believe in what we once stood for. I believe that America the Beautiful, was just that. I believe that we have a responsibility to bring back what has been left to waste on the roadside of injustice and political correctness.

Today, I begin anew with a greater fervency to teach our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about the love of God, country, and sacrifice. To remind them of this great nation and what it was founded upon. To respect our flag, soldiers, and sacrifice. To seek to serve to a better cause.

Do you wish to join me? If not in voice then perhaps in spirit. Raise your hearts to that which was once hailed and lauded with purpose and meaning. We have a reason to hope. Patriotism is still alive, it may have been dampened by the strife we have faced or the voices we have silenced, but it lives.