Patriotism: defined

My friend, Laura Nellie, asked several of the DAR sisters why they were DAR, or something to that effect. Precious as my friend, and name-sharer is, she wanted to know, because sometimes life is too quick to have heart-felt moments of conversation, even with those with whom we share so much.

Usually a DAR starts out saying something about their mother. And I am no different. I joined because my mother handed me my 'paper-work', and said, 'when you have the time, you may want to join.' So I did. But it was because of all the phone calls after she'd presented a Good Citizen Award to a noble young person. No monetary award. Just a medal. But it's not just a medal to me.

When I was in Kindergarten, Mrs. Hepler ( we called her Mrs. Helper) presented me with the Citizenship Award. In Warren County, KY. On 'the other side of the tracks'. I remember riding the bus with children, who I never knew to be poor. I was perhaps poor in worldly goods. Consumerism hadn't shined it's ugly light on perceived poverty yet. We all had shoes. We all ate lunch. We had parents. But there were poor kids on my bus. And in my little corner of the world that award meant the most to me. I was a representative of my class. I wasn't so special, just one of the class. Perhaps I had much to smile about and others didn't. So because I smiled, I received the award.

But when I have been in my darkest moments, and bright as well, as silly as it seems, I can remember that award. And what citizenship means to me now. I like to think that my teacher saw hope in me for the future of our country. Perhaps a candle-bearer. Perhaps. But a citizen, where ever I was.

In DAR I see the doorway to be someone involved in community.  I have had the opportunity and blessing to be involved with JAC (Junior American Citizens) and have so enjoyed the parents who bring their children to be a part of our efforts to educate their children about patriotism and citizenship.

Patriotism: defined. That was the title. I am a 'johnny come lately' patriot. There are many that have been waving and know why they wave the flag. I am behind.
But I know that my ancestor married a patriot, whose wife and child died from exposure to the elements the day before the Battle of Kettle Creek.  They were turned out by those who would defend King George and his corrupt government.  One of the coldest battles, a Valentines Day during the Revolutionary War.

When I stand and wave the flag now... I think of her. I think of the trials of a wife and mother, who lives with the knowledge of the 'first love', raising children and loving a man in the wilderness.
What they did, what they believed, why they stayed.
That's Patriotism: defined. The staying. The living. The dying. Citizenship.

Flags before the 4th of July.

 

So, Laura Nellie, thank you for asking the question. I hope I can continue to perpetuate the memory of those who fought bravely for our freedoms. May we never forget.