Columbians young and old weigh in with their answers
As the July 4th weekend continues, a question arises: Is patriotism still alive and well?
Patriotism, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “love for or devotion to one’s country.”
Through the years patriotism has gone up and down. World War I and II soldiers came home to ticker-tape parades. The soldiers were considered heroes in the eyes of many young men.
Korea came and then Vietnam and suddenly patriotism had fallen by the wayside. During Desert Storm people were glued to the televisions watching Baghdad, Iraq, being shelled in 1991. Desert Storm soldiers were once again heroes.
Sept. 11, 2001, renewed a sense of patriotism that had not been seen in years with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers, Pentagon and in the field in Pennsylvania.
This newspaper posed these questions to individuals of all ages this week:
• What is patriotism to you?
• Is it alive and well?
• What needs to be done to increase it?
Circuit Court Judge Tony Mozingo described patriotism as love and devotion to the country that is put into action. He believes it is still alive but no longer well. He said people need to return to the education and devotion of the founding principles of the nation.
Local business owner Mark Carithers’ description was respect and love for the country and the people who keep it free.
The description from Drake Thomas was a natural love for your country.
Marion County Chancery Clerk Cass Barnes said it’s a way people show their feelings to the country and to the people who have given their lives for the country. Barnes added patriotism needs to be promoted and encouraged.
District 2 Supervisor Terry Broome said he feels patriotism is alive, but it is not well. He added what needs to be done is teach patriotism in the schools, churches and in the homes.
Attorney Drew Foxworth said it is the love and principles on which the country was founded.
Engineer Jeff Dungan said he thinks patriotism has gone the way of the Creator. He feels the way we respect the Creator reflects our patriotism. Dungan said he feels the way to get patriotism back is to have a real relationship with the Creator. Supervisor Calvin Newsome agreed with Dungan.
Lairen Newman, 11, didn’t understand the meaning at first of the word patriotism but when her mother helped her understand the word better, said yes patriotism was alive and well.
Jayden Thornhill, 15, said it is supporting the country the way it is supposed to be and representing the flag. She believed some people should take part of it more. She said to campaign patriotism more and include interactive ways for youth to learn the history.
Emma Grace, 10, said patriotism is dealing with the patriots and it was alive and well.
Logan Buffinet, 10, was unsure of the definition but when it was mentioned a love of the country, Buffinet said “like veterans.” He feels patriotism is alive and well.
Citizens of Marion County will not only be able to express their patriotism today at Freedom Fest but also Nov. 14 to Nov. 17 when the Wall that Heals comes to Columbia.
Pictured Above: A flag flies over Columbia this week. The C-P asked local residents, "What is patriotism to you?” “Is it alive and well?” and “What needs to be done to increase it?” | Photo by Susan Amundson
