This is Not Your Father’s Patriotism

As a kid, I was taught that it was important to be patriotic. No one ever explained to me what that really meant, but from casual observation, I assumed it meant that I should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and be proud of my country. It seemed simple enough. At school, I faithfully stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, partly out of a sense of patriotism and partly out of a sense of self-preservation and avoiding Sister Mary Discipline’s stick that she swatted us with. When I was old enough I joined Cub Scouts and later, the Boy Scouts. I even earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award. When I was 18, I joined the Army. <a href="https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/this-is-not-your-fathers-patriotism-17d8d24863b0">Learn More</a>