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Patriotism is often thought of as a dying concept in America, sparked only by times of hardship or acts of violence. The days of unquestionable dedication to our great nation are fading, rapidly being replaced by mere glimmers of a once prominent ideal. The last crucial moment that spurred nationwide patriotism occurred on September 11, 2001, and as America came under attack, it banded together to honor its heroes and support its veterans.
“There is no greater sacrifice than to serve our nation and you young people are living examples of that dedication and commitment.” – Gary Sinise
While a down economy and lengthy military engagements in the Middle East have caused some of us to question our commitment to this amazing country, and sometimes even our service members, hope burns eternal. If you stop to look for it, patriotism can still be found in our homes, our work, and most importantly, our children.
As someone that was fortunate enough to attend the 2012 Military Child of the Year award ceremony as a panel judge, I believe that this up-and-coming generation of Americans is being led by some of the brightest and most caring young people the world has to offer.
In prerecorded remarks, actor Gary Sinise offered the same sentiment, saying, “There is no greater sacrifice than to serve our nation and you young people are living examples of that dedication and commitment.” That isn’t just a formality statement, folks, it’s a lifestyle that our military children live and breathe every day.
This year’s winners are not only representative of what military children are capable of; they signify what America can accomplish. Take Amelia McConnell, 17, for example. She’s adapted to nine permanent change-of-stations since her birth, watched her father deploy three times while battling leukemia and endured the death of her brother in Afghanistan. Amelia could have secluded herself from the world, yet she took it upon herself to volunteer in her military communities and accept growing responsibilities around the house, all while being nominated to multiple educational societies.
This is but one of the five amazing young people that were honored during the event, with every story equally as remarkable. These children are very unique, yes, but they aren’t alone. All around the world, children of U.S. military service members act as young ambassadors and leaders in their schools, families and communities. They represent the very best of what America has to offer, and like the spirit of America, never waver in the face of adversity.
It is because of service members and veterans like you that our country is built strong and free, and it will be because of children like Amelia, and your own children, that America will continue to grow and prosper.
Patriotism is once again on the rise, even if it’s harder to see right now. And it only took a few children to lead the way.
Photo thanks to DonkeyHotey under a creative commons license from Flickr.
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5 Comments
God bless the military and their families. May they always have everythingthey need. May they always have someone to wipe their tears, encourage them, and celebrate their successes.. For all you do, we thank you from the botto of our hearts.
Wonderful and well written article! It’s a much needed reminder for so many of us that need to hear more positive reinforcement about as you say that “Spirit of America” that many have seem to forgotten what America is about and what it was built on..thanks so much for the reminder, and for it to be the younger generation to show us what it is all about, it makes you have hope for our future!
There is no job tougher then being a member of a military family member. I raised both my sons in the military and now my grandkids are being raised within the Army. Their dad has had many deployments and they have at times been my pillars of strength. I have seen my oldesr grandson turn cold when his dad would call from his deployment..he would refuse to speak with him. His little brother wouldn’t let his dad out of the house without him when he returned from a deployment injured. We are asking so much from these young men and women. Yes, their parents raised their hands saying they will defend the Constitution. We have asked so much from these young families,and yet when we stop and look at it all its the chilren of those families that are paying a heavy price. They are growing up far too fast. They need the chance to be kids,with no worries.
Wow. Just wow. My dad was in the Air Force, although when he was in, it was not a time of war, and he never deployed anywhere. My son, my only child, is in the Army, and was in Iraq for a stint under Operation New Dawn. Tense. He is supposed to get out October of next year, but is stepping up and talking of reenlistment, which would send him to Afghanistan. I am soooo proud of him, but of course, don’t want him to go. He is field artillery, but I know God will protect him and his fellow soldiers. I am extremely proud of all who serve, and when I see a service person wherever, I have a tendency to just go up and tell them how proud of them I am, have always been, but more so now that I have a son in the military. I love all the branches, but I am always “Army Strong”
My granddaughter Bailey Caldwell was one of the finalist representing Air Force. She and her sister wrote a book Deployed Kids for kids dealing with deployment and started a website for military kids. It was exciting to have her acknowledged for her efforts. Is great to see children turn challenging experiences and sharing how to help others.