Different Ways You Can Show Your Patriotism
Many people take pride in being a citizen of the United States and want to give back to their communities or show off their support for the country. Luckily, there are plenty of ways the average citizen can not only display their support but contribute directly to the United States’ democracy as well. Here are a few different ways you can show your patriotism.
Right To Vote
It is your right as an American citizen to vote in any election. By making the effort to vote, you are honoring the core principles the United States was built upon and participating within the democratic process. By voting, you are helping elect leaders that represent the United States’ ideals and support the interests of the people.
Volunteer and Serve
Responsibilities such as jury duty may seem like an inconvenience but they play an important part in our country’s justice system to ensure we keep our judicial system fair and honest. If you want to volunteer your time, simply visiting a national park or making a donation is helpful. The National Park Service already operates on a small budget, but it’s possible that its budget could be cut further or eliminated entirely. Your contributions can help keep these institutions in operation.
Patriotic Apparel
There is plenty of America-themed clothing available, though whether they look good or not may vary. But a better, simpler way to show your support for the country and the country’s servicemen is with an American flag patch. This may seem like a small token, but it can be very meaningful if you properly observe the etiquette of these patches. You may notice that military uniforms have the flag patch on their right sleeve and that it appears backward. This is because the protocol for displaying the flag is that it should appear like the flag is waving in the wind when you move. As a civilian, it’s still proper to keep the patch on your sleeve, and it should appear on your left arm so that the flag faces forward, while still honoring protocol. This flag patch should also always be above other patches, including patches of other flags.
These are not only different ways you can show your patriotism but great ways to contribute to the country and give back to other Americans as well. As President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”