What's The Definition of a Patriot?

4/14/2014

Being a patriot means different things to different people. For me, the word "patriot" invokes memories of the American flag, smoky battle in Gettysburg, sweat-stained Marines in Iraq, little kids in a 4th of July parade...

Here's Merriam-Webster's definition of patriot:

patriot: a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country

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Military Service Not Required

You don't have to serve in the military to be a patriot. We honor our brothers and sisters on the front lines, patriots shedding blood for our country, but they're not the only patriots.

Let's not forget about the policemen, public servants, wives, husbands, firemen, all patriots, all living an honorable life.

What Makes A Patriot?

The definition above says a patriot is someone who "loves and supports or fights..."

The first element is LOVE. I love my country just as much as readers I've connected to in the U.K. or in Australia do their own. There's nothing better than coming home to the country we hold dear.

The second element is SUPPORT. We don't have to agree with everything that happens in our nation's capitol (trust me, I don't), but we do have to support the overall mission. In America I believe our mission is to spread freedom, inclusion and prosperity throughout the world. Do you agree?

The final element is FIGHTING. How many men and women have died throughout the ages fighting for their countries? We honor them by remembering their sacrifices, by taking care of the loved ones they've left behind.

How Can You Be A Better Patriot?

Define Your Love: Instead of complaining about the crooked politicians and the rising cost of milk, remind yourself about why you're here, why do you love your country?

Help Your Fellow Patriots: You're surrounded by patriots. Open your eyes. Say hello to your neighbor. Buy a soldier a beer. Lend a helping hand.

What else can we do to be better patriots?

Quick Corps Justice Update

Thank you all for spreading the word. Thanks to you March was my best sales month ever. Being able to connect with more and more readers really makes my day.

"National Burden" Chugging Along

As you might've noticed, I upgraded the book cover. Looks pretty good, don't you think?

I'm about halfway through writing the book. Looks like this one's gonna be a little longer than the last two. These damn politicians keep throwing piles of crap at President Zimmer. Good thing he's got Cal and the boys on his side.

In the next update I'll include Chapter 1.

Until next time...

Semper,
CGC

Get All The Corps Justice Novels HERE

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Don M

4/14/2014 06:43:34 am

Right on Brother...keep 'em rollin'!

S/F

Don

CGC link

4/17/2014 11:51:33 pm

Will do. Thanks, Don.

John V.

4/17/2014 11:50:08 pm

A patriot is a person who stands when the National Anthem is played ,stands at attention as well as they are able to , chokes up a bit and swells with pride.

4/17/2014 11:51:50 pm

Amen.

Susan

4/17/2014 11:50:29 pm

I think being a Patriot in the USA has never been more difficult and never been more necessary. To be a better Patriot we need to vote. We need to instill the values of our constitution in our children. And we need to never give up. I have hope that if something or someone tried to destroy our country, Americans would rise up to defeat them. I have faith in our Military. I have love for our land and people.

4/17/2014 11:52:57 pm

"I have hope that if something or someone tried to destroy our country, Americans would rise up to defeat them."

Yes we would. Thanks for sharing!

4/30/2014 10:00:20 am

The current regime IS destroying our country!

Just finished the first Corps book. I"all be reading the rest. Reminds me of WEB Griffin, only better!!! Thanks!

4/17/2014 11:50:59 pm

Patriotism and our Youth
Patriotism comes in all ages. I teach school in a poor, rural, mountain community. Each school morning, I am amazed and humbled as see these students stand proudly and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a moment of silence. Most are saying a short prayer. This same group of young people write letters to servicemen and women expressing their gratitude and admiration. They support the community food and Christmas drives. Every year they perform before the local Veterans. And, they are learning the Constitution. Many of these kids will join the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines. Some will stay in the community become farmers, nurses, join the rescue squad, or volunteer fire department. Regardless, I think/ pray that each one will continue to love his country. I call them The Young Patriots!

4/17/2014 11:53:24 pm

Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

4/30/2014 11:05:55 am

Thanks for the note, DC. WEB Griffin is one of my favorites. THE CORPS series is amazing and a must read for Marines. I've read the series numerous times after finding the first book in my old battalion library.

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