A more substantial form of patriotism

America came together Sunday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The anniversary brought much of the nation together emotionally. Displays of patriotism were everywhere.

Much of the patriotic fervor, however, was feel good patriotism. Patriotism is more than wearing red, white and blue and waving flags. It is more than shouting “USA” in a stadium or being silent during a rendition of the national anthem. It is more than speeches and rhetoric.

Yet, for many, these are the the only expressions of patriotism they know.

That may be because the country asks nothing of its citizens. In fact, Americans demand increasingly more and more from government while trying to give it less and less.

Right now, the nation is embroiled in two wars and is trying to protect itself from the treat of additional terrorist acts. It is a handful, not to mention the economic woes facing the country and the intransigence of elected leaders to put the country above their politics.

While a miniscule fraction of the country participates in our military, the rest, unaffected, bicker over their own needs and argue for their own interests without regard for the nation as a whole.

The nation needs more, not less, from its citizens. One way to get citizens more invested in the country is to institute mandatory national service.

Mandatory national service, whether it be in the military, in the Peace Corps, working in distressed communities or assisting in classrooms or hospitals, might give Americans a goal that is bigger than themselves.

This is a big, unwieldy democracy. It needs maintenance, and every citizen should try to give back to it. Vast numbers in the past have, and we are better for it.

Gordon Forgey