Patriotism has become more of a "dirty word" in recent years than the actual words with horrid, unsavory connotations ever were.
To be "patriotic" and to "love one's country" and to be "proud of one's country" are considered, by those who supposedly know, to be old-fashioned, at best, or sins, at worst, in many circles.
On any 4th of July, however, it is good to find the words on which this country was created and grew to be the country many, many, Americans still cherish today. It is good to see and read these words and hope that some out there will be reminded of the hope our country represented -- and most certainly still represents -- to the entire world, in spite of the many native-born who revile her.
When We the People who are proud of our country on a daily basis hear others revile and denigrate her, let us remember these words from those who created her and improved her throughout her history and let us all say, with great feeling, respect, and love: "God Bless America!"
****************************************************
July 3, 1776 letter from John Adams
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm.
Frederick Douglass, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" July 5, 1852
I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation's destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.
Martin Luther King, "I Have A Dream," August 28, 1963
When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. . . . I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
