Reflections on Patriotism

On this Independence Day 2011, I would like you to reflect with me on what it means to be an American patriot. Consider the caliber of men and women who stood for the vision of new nation—one, whom Abraham Lincoln later said was “conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men were created equal.” He further said, “It is for us the living … to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here [at Gettysburg] have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

The Crisis by Thomas Payne

These are the times that try men’s souls.
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of his country.
But he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered, yet we have this consolation with us - - - that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem to lightly.
It is dearness, only, that gives everything its value.
Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods, and it would be strange, indeed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.
I call not upon a few, but upon all.
Help us, lay your shoulders to the wheel. Better be too much for us than too little when so great an object is at stake.
Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.
Say not that thousands are gone; turn out your 10’s of thousands.
Throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but show your faith by your works, that God might bless you.
It matters not where you live or what rank of life you hold; the evil or the blessing will reach you all.
[In the end] all will suffer or rejoice alike.
The heart that feels not now is dead.
The blood of his children will curse his cowardice who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole and have made them happy.
I love the man that can smile in trouble; that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection.
‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm and whose conscience approves his conduct will pursue his principles unto death.