From the Frontlines: A Combat Veteran's Perspective on Genuine Patriotism in American Culture

by Alberto Castro 5/11/2024

As a combat veteran who has served on the frontlines defending the values of this nation, and who is originally from abroad, I have a unique perspective on the concept of American patriotism. While the media currently presents a "compelling" argument for redefining patriotism in terms of upholding democratic principles, fostering social cohesion, promoting ethical leadership, and advancing global citizenship, I believe it is essential to add a firsthand account from someone who has experienced the realities of war and sacrifice. I am not renouncing these ideas, however, merely laying out some vital considerations that should. be taken into account.

Upholding Democratic Principles

From my experience, genuine patriotism is about more than just paying lip service to democratic ideals—it's about defending them with our lives. When deployed overseas, I witnessed firsthand the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made by my fellow soldiers to protect it. True patriots are willing to fight not just for their own freedoms, but for the rights of all people to live in liberty and justice. Democratic liberties come at the cost of fighting for those freedoms, it is through this process in which democracy and the republic is preserved.

Fostering Social Cohesion

In the military, we come from extremely diverse backgrounds, but we are bound together by a common mission and a sense of duty to one another and the Constitution. Genuine patriotism is about recognizing the humanity in each of us and standing up for the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of race, religion, or background. It's about treating each other with respect and empathy, both on the battlefield and at home.

Promoting Ethical Leadership

As soldiers, we rely on our leaders to make tough decisions with integrity and honor. Genuine patriotism demands that our leaders prioritize the well-being of their troops and the mission above personal gain or political expediency. It's about holding our leaders accountable for their actions and ensuring that they uphold the values we swore to defend. No level of leadership is exempt from this standard.

Advancing Global Citizenship

While our primary duty is to protect and defend the United States of America and its Constitution, true patriots understand that our actions have global consequences. As combat veterans, we have seen firsthand the impact of war and conflict on innocent civilians. Genuine patriotism means advocating for diplomacy and peaceful solutions to international disputes, rather than resorting to violence as a first resort. Those who have seen the face of war understand exactly why it needs to be avoided at all costs.

In conclusion, genuine patriotism is not just about waving the flag or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance—it's about embodying the values of freedom, justice, and equality in everything we do. As combat veterans, we understand the true cost of patriotism, and we are committed to upholding these values for the sake of our country and the world. If you wonder why many veterans are they way they are, it is because of their willpower to see this mission through. There is no end to which we will dedicate ourselves to this cause, because it is about more that just preserving the liberties of Americans, it is about perserving the liberties of mankind. To me, there is no greater cause than that.

Thank you for considering the perspective of a combat veteran in this important discussion on the meaning of patriotism in American culture.

Sincerely,

Alberto Castro