Patriotism at It's Finest by Gracie Norris

Gracie wrote this for her writing class and got to read it aloud at the Veteran's Day program at her school. It is a beautiful piece and I am so proud of her.

Patriotism at It's Finest by Gracie Norris

Patriotism in the dictionary is "love of one's country"; but it is much more. If it was not for patriotism, we would not be as free as we are. What is patriotism? Does it still matter? Patriotism is bravery, sacrifice, and determination.

"The British are coming! The British are coming!" "Don't shoot 'til you see the whites of their eyes." Both were brave sayings they went down through history. Both of the men who said those things had enough patriotism to build a powerful nation. The people in the military are giving all their bravery to this country. It is a big, humongous world out there and they are out there to fight for their country. Some of them even die for this amazing country.

The American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War are all very big, very famous wars. In those wars, over two million people died. Those people were willing to fight and die for their country. It must be scary to go on the battleground knowing you could die. However, they were determined to go out there and give it all they had.

"We the people of the United States of America" are the first nine words of the American Constitution. While many say they were written in ink, it is not entirely true. It was written in determination. Before you can do anything, you need determination. Patriotism has really got that down pat.

Patriotism is one of the most important things out there. Veterans have courage that none of us can even imagine. Many of them die in battle. All of them have determination. Does patriotism really still matter? You tell me.