Are you a Patriot?

Using the Websters definition - yep I am. But my husband is the real Patriot in our family serving in peace time and during war.

Jay,

When I hear the word "Patriot" I think of someone who will stand up for their country, some one who is proud to be an American (or Italian, Irish, etc.).  In America I think everyone believes they are a "Patriot", but many are far from that.  You see I think back to the phrase, "United we Stand, Divided we fall".  Everyone uses half of this quote, "United we stand.."  they forget the end of this quote.  It is important we all stand behind our leaders, believe in them and their decisions, because if you think for one minute they tell us everything, or can tell us everything, you are sadly mistaken.  There are things that cannot be told, they would cause turmoil in our country, mainly for lack of understanding all the complicated ramifications from the information they have gotten or receive.  The original statement was from a time America was divided, the North and the South.  Yet today througout America there is division.  I believe I am a Patriot, I would fight for my country and my fellow man.  I would defend by brother or sister, regardless of who or what they are.  If they are in America, legal or illegal, working to build our communities, doing jobs that my children wouldn't do, I would stand up for them as Americans.  I believe that we in the Real Estate Profession create and aid many in achieving the American Dream of Home Ownership.  How could we not be Patriotic when we want people to own a little bit of America, by owning their own homes.  Do you know there are many countries that do not allow their citizens to own land?  These men and women crave home ownership and what it brings to them.  I could go on and on, I love America and what it, we stand for, Freedom, of choice, voice, religion, property (land) ownership and the right to vote.  I am a Patriot, and if permitted to, I would fight for my country and my fellow countrymen.

Jay, great question, I like the Webster's definition and I agree, those that serve our country are Patriots! 

I have to say that I absolutely love Carol's response above! I cannot say it better than she has!

Hard core baby.  I love the U.S.   I'm sad that some of our leaders want to morph it into something the constitution didn't want, but I still love my country.

A patriot does not hesitate for one second to place their hand over their heart and pledge allegiance to the flag.  A patriot is proud of his/her country no matter what political sect is in charge.  A patriot holds it's military members in the highest regard, being ever so careful to take care of those sacrficial heroes who put themselves in harm's way.  A patriot is a team player who places the needs of others above their own.  A patriot draws a line in the sand who is never swayed because of popular opinion.  Unfortunately, with all the political correctness evident in our world, those proverbial lines in the sand are washed out from the constant ebb and flow of the tide of popular opinion.  

Well, that's my two cents!  Our present and former members of the armed forces are my heroes and the ultimate patriots!

Wow, I love Celina's response too.  Wish I could be as eloquent as Carol and Celina.  I feel so much patriotism in my heart, but was unsure how to express it.  These two gals have done a great job and I second their thoughts!!