As we approach our 250th birthday of the United States of America there seems to be a question about patriotism in our Nation today. Many feel that patriotism is dead. There appears to be a vast divide in this country, at least if you listen to the pundits. But is patriotism dead?
Patriotism has always meant love and devotion to one’s country, but in the modern world it is no longer limited to waving our nation’s flag, standing for the National Anthem, or celebrating national holidays with the traditional parades, fireworks or prideful events. Today, true patriotism is shown through responsible citizenship, service to the community, and a willingness to improve the nation. Modern-day patriotism is not blind loyalty; it is an active commitment to making one’s country more united.
In earlier times, patriotism was often connected mainly with defending the country in war or showing public pride during important national events. While those expressions still matter, the meaning of patriotism has grown wider. In the twenty-first century, citizens face new responsibilities that are connected to technology, education, the environment, and public health. Because of this, modern patriotism asks people not only to feel proud of their country, but also to contribute to its progress in practical and meaningful ways. Patriotism is becoming involved with your country. Having grown up in the 1950s and 1960s I can still remember the stirring speech made by President Kennedy when he challenged every American to, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country!” Have we forgotten these immortal words?
One important part of modern patriotism is civic responsibility. A patriotic citizen does not simply enjoy the freedoms of a country; they also take part in protecting and strengthening those freedoms. Voting, obeying laws, public service, staying informed about public issues, and participating in peaceful discussions are all ways people can contribute to democracy. In a time when misinformation can spread quickly, being an informed and thoughtful citizen is one of the strongest forms of patriotism.
Modern-day patriotism also requires respect for the people who share the nation. A country is made stronger by the different cultures, beliefs, languages, and experiences of its citizens. Loving one’s country means valuing all the people who help build it. Therefore, a true patriot rejects hatred, discrimination, and division. Instead of believing that patriotism means thinking one’s country is perfect, modern patriots recognize both its achievements and its challenges. They honor the past while working to create a better future. The preamble of our US constitution challenges every citizen of the United States to remember that our mission, “We the People”, is to work “to establish a more perfect union”.
Another way patriotism appears today is through service. People show love for their country when they help their communities, support veterans and military families, volunteer during emergencies, protect the environment, and care for neighbors in need. These actions may seem small compared with grand national ceremonies, but they represent the everyday work that keeps a nation strong. Patriotism is not only found in speeches or symbols; it is found in kindness, responsibility, and sacrifice.
Modern patriotism also allows room for constructive criticism. Pointing out problems in a country does not mean a person lacks love for it. In fact, many people criticize injustice, corruption, inequality, or environmental damage because they want their nation to live up to its highest ideals. A citizen who peacefully, and I want to emphasize ‘Peacefully’ demands fairness and improvement is practicing a mature form of patriotism. Love for one’s country should inspire people to protect its values, not ignore its weaknesses.
Today, in much of the social media I constantly read of people who are so upset that they are ready to leave America and venture to other countries where they think life is better. I often wonder how many actually make good on that threat? I also wonder how many of those feel that America has seen its better days have ever lived in other countries?
During my long military career, I’ve either lived or visited many foreign countries, and I can tell you that the greatest and most exciting event is returning home. Having served in military conflicts overseas I can’t tell you the number of men I’ve seen who upon return knelt and kissed their native soil. I can remember watching the scene as American medical students who had been freed from captivity in Grenada did the same, knelt and kissed American soil upon their return. How many of our celebrities who said that they would leave the United States if certain politicians were elected or certain ideas were enacted failed to do so. How many of those who did leave the United States finally return realizing that the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence. For all of our faults, for all of our failings, the freedoms that we offer in this country bring us all home at some point in our lives.
So, is patriotism dead? I don’t believe so I think it’s sort of hides in the background waiting, waiting for that time when it’s needed. I think back to the months after the tragedy of 9-11. I think of all of the American flags that waved at the parades, on homes, on every street, the dedication to military and political and civic service that were displayed in those months afterwards. We needed the unity of those days, and patriotism reared its head, uniting us, even if it was only briefly. Patriotism never dies, it is an ingrained love for the country of our birth, the country that we’ve pledged to support and defend.
In conclusion, modern-day patriotism is more than pride in a flag or loyalty to a government. It is a daily commitment to civic duty, respect, service, unity, and progress. A true patriot loves their country enough to celebrate its strengths, face its problems, and work for positive change. In today’s world, patriotism is best expressed not by words alone, but by actions that help create and celebrate a stronger and more compassionate nation.
Peter Taylor is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel who established the JROTC Program at RCB High School. Taylor is a local historian, author and a weekly contributor to the Exponent writing “The History Bugle” column.
This was published in the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram Opinion page on Saturday June 28, 2026
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The Advisor Series:
- “The Senior Army Instructor; The Paul Tyler Saga Begins” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/BOGSXJ2ZHC)
- “The Advisor, Kien Bing, South Vietnam, 1969-1970. A Novel” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4X5NQ3)
- “The Province Senior Intelligence Advisor, Kien Song Province 1970-1971; A Novel” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHL2XCX5)
- “The Hardchargers,” Vietnam 1972-1973; A Novel” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7SPR1JY)
- “The Tuscarora Trail” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3QY2GM6)
Civil War History/Fiction:
- “A Civil War History of Harrison County West Virginia 1861-1865” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0B1CLL28Q
- “The Most Hated Man in Clarksburg” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0C6429M1X
Science Fiction: (Chuck Neighbors author, Taylor editor/coauthor)
| “Destiny” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6WGWHLS |
| “HomeFall” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJN1JLWF |
| “The Planet’s Revenge” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYQBHC6C |
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