Patriotism is Good for Kids

    The year before 9/11 forever changed the spirit of America, my son, Roch, carrying his toddler daughter, led a flag-waving parade of five year old Dakota, three year old Jonny, four year old Cori Anne, and two year old DiGi.  Everybody shouted “Hooray for the USA!!”  The “Big Parade” that wound across the front porch, down the steps, around cars parked in the driveway, and down the sidewalk.
    Our family believes in starting young to instill feelings of pride in country and devotion to the ideals of American democracy. Patriotism is good for kids.  Kids need to believe in their families, their communities, and their nation.  Cynicism is poor food for the spirit.  Believing that we live in the Greatest Country on Earth will expand a child’s soul and help him grow into a decent person. Believing in something larger than self encourages growth beyond self.  Selfishness seems to be one of the greatest problems of our times, so we should take every opportunity to combat it.
    Happily, patriotism seems to be gaining credence these days; flags are displayed with pride and young men and women volunteer to defend their country.
    There are lots of ways to celebrate Independence Day or the Fourth of July.  Although it has both names, I like to say, “Independence Day” rather than the date, because the date is really insignificant.  What that date represents is most important.
    Years ago, Independence Day was quite a holiday, with parades, picnics, and speeches.  Let’s resurrect that holiday.  Let’s set aside a time to acquaint our children with their heritage and to reinforce crucial, basic concepts of patriotism, which doesn’t mean staying silent when something or someone is wrong.
    A great way to promote patriotism is to display the flag.  Take a few moments on this Independence Day to explain about the flag’s symbolism and the importance of respecting what it symbolizes.  If you don’t have a Boy Scout of your own, borrow one to explain how to display and fold the flag.  Best, have him dress in his full uniform, very impressive.  Then keep on displaying your flag--not just on the 4th, but all the time.
    Plan a special picnic or bar-b-que and go to the town park to celebrate with other families.  Watch the hometown parade and/or have one in your neighborhood.  As demonstrated in our impromptu parade, kids love parades. Parades satisfy that  “Look at me!” and “Watch me!” streak in all kids.
    The 4th can be a great time to get your neighborhood together for a celebration.  Have a potluck picnic at a nearby school (get permission) or park if nobody has a suitable yard. 
    Hold up the service men and women in our communities, especially those who’ve returned from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Search for heros among the pioneers and your forefathers.  Talk about the Founding Fathers and hold them up as heros.   Kids can never have too many heros. Heros help children develop strong moral characters; they need actual people to emulate and hold in regard.
    This 4th of July, show your kids that you’re proud of your community, your state, and your country.  Have a great, celebratory holiday.  Patriotism is good for adults, too.

Corrie Lynne Player