My colleague, Gale Mills, who works at the Washington County OSU Cooperative Extension Service, has written this article and I wanted to share it with our readers:

What is patriotism?

Most people believe that patriotism involves service to their country. Others argue that a true patriot speaks out when convinced that their country is following an unwise or unjust action. Actually, patriotism is a love of and loyalty to one’s country. A patriot is someone who loves, supports, and is prepared to serve their country. The word patriotism comes from a Greek word meaning fatherland. For most of history, love of fatherland or homeland was an attachment to the physical features of the land. But that notion changed in the eighteenth century, when the ideals of democracy, socialism, and communism strongly emerged into political thought. Who is the father of America? That would be George Washington. Being an American doesn’t necessarily mean that person is a patriot and a person doesn’t have to be an American to be a patriot.

To memorialize patriotism in America various symbols are used such as the flag, the pledge of allegiance, and the national anthem. The flag is probably the most widely known symbol of this country. The flag is usually associated with the legend of Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who may have made the first one. The legend indicates that George Washington was a frequent visitor to the home of Mrs. Ross before receiving command of the army. She embroidered his shirt ruffles and did many other things for him using her skills with a needle. Around the first of June, 1776, with two representatives of Congress, Colonel Ross and Robert Morris, George Washington asked Mrs. Ross if she could make a flag according to a rough drawing that was carried with them. Through the years the flag has changed many times with varying numbers of stars and stripes. By Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959, the same day the last state, Hawaii was added to the union, the flag provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically. This is the flag we know today.

However, historians believe it was Francis Hopkinson who designed it. Mr. Hopkinson was a popular patriot, a Congressman from New Jersey, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a poet, an artist and a distinguished civil servant. He was appointed to the Continental Navy Board on November 6, 1776 and while serving turned his attention to designing the flag of the United States. It wasn’t until an executive order of June 24, 1912, neither the order of the stars nor the proportions of the flag were prescribed. Consequently, flags dating before this period sometimes show unusual arrangements of the stars and odd proportions, these features being left to the discretion of the flag maker.

When respecting the flag, there is a complete list of flag etiquette to include not draping it on a platform, a speaker’s desk or to be used as drapery. It should never touch the ground and it should be kept clean and mended when necessary. When displaying it outdoors with another flag, the flag of the United States must always be at the top. Ordinarily the flag should only be displayed outdoors between sunrise and sunset. However if it is displayed at night, it should be illuminated. Once a flag is worn, tattered and torn, it needs to be retired. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct dignified flag burning ceremonies. Contact a local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.

American patriotism is much more. Celebrating this country’s heritage may include a festive family picnic, visiting the graves of military personnel, family and friends, participating with fireworks or simply reading up on the history of this great nation. Enjoy celebrating our nation’s birthday and remember those that have served and continue to serve this great nation by regaining America’s patriotism.

LaDell Emmons is the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educator.