Scorching heat, pure exhaustion, and constant fear convey the bleak image of war. The definition of war is varied, and “often the proposed definition masks a particular political or philosophical stance” (Moseley). Colonel William Travington portrays his beliefs about the brutality of war through one simple sentence; “You know, it's an ugly business doing one's duty... but just occasionally it's a real pleasure” (“The Patriot”). Our country is home to a diversity of perspectives on what it means to be an American, and the loyalty that comes from this earned title. Being an American is a privilege, not a right. The sacrifices made in war show the true cost of being free. Freedom is the basis of our country, and the measures Americans are willing to take to protect that freedom reveal their devotion to their country. What costs will we take to maintain the well-being of our nation? The answer to this question is a direct result of the “patriotism” shared by the members of this great nation.1Analyzing popular music, classic art, educational films, and American literature allows us to define American identity through the basis of opportunity, hard work, and loyalty. Everyday men are willing to lay down their lives for the honor of their country. Everyday foreigners are fighting to earn the right to be called an American. They do this to gain and fulfill the meaningful life of an American citizen. Memorial sculptures such as the Iwo Jima were established to honor the men that died fighting for the principles in which they believed. 2 This particular sculpture symbolizes a major victory for the American soldiers that helped liberate Jews from Nazi control.3 This country represents a strong independent nation, as well as a trustworthy... ... middle of paper ... ... America where it is today. Patriotism for your country comes from your personal beliefs. It is when you really love and remain loyal to your country no matter the cost. The men and women that fought to defend the honor of our country are the true patriots. War is not supported by everyone, but these men still risk their lives to protect the freedom of the citizens that don’t believe in what they are fighting for. For them it is all about remain loyal to America, and standing up for what they believe in. Hard work is another factor that led America into its inevitably successful future. Men and women in this country don’t earn their living through lack of effort. Even through rough times in the economy, Americans sought work instead of giving up. Being an American is being a part of a great society that works to build itself up through the loyal citizens.
The Civil War, World War I, the Vietnam War, World War II, and the conflict in the Middle East are all wars that have been fought over the difference of opinions, yet come at the cost of the soldier 's fighting them; Humans killing other humans, and death is just one of the many emotional scars soldiers of war face. Why do we go to war when this is the cost? For many it is because they are unaware of the psychological cost of war, they are only aware of the monetary cost or the personal gains they get from war. Tim O 'Brien addresses the true cost of war in "The Things They Carried". O 'Brien suggests that psychological trauma caused by war warps the perception of life in young Americans drafted into the Vietnam War. He does this through Lieutenant
For a united nation to prosper, its people must overcome obstacles and take on numerous responsibilities. Throughout our lives, there are problems occurring continually in our world related to war and combat. During these times of hardship, we must remind ourselves to persevere and continue to defend the country. In addressing the Sylvanus Thayer Award on May 12, 1962, at the city of West Point, New York, General Douglas MacArthur urged Americans to remember the major responsibilities we have as Americans in his speech Duty, Honor, Country. With a position of authority, MacArthur powerfully stated that America will only survive through winning wars and fulfilling our duties. His main priority was to defend the nation, respect the nation, and prosper in that vast nation, otherwise remarked as three key terms: duty, honor, and country. Through the use of rhetorical devices, MacArthur expresses the theme that Americans should defend the country sturdily and carry on its numerous objectives by means of his moral code: “Duty, Honor, Country”.
To what extent had the colonists developed a sense of their identity and unity as Americans by the eve of the Revolution?
Every US citizen all have something in common; freedom. Most Americans go throughout their whole personal life, whether it be work, school, or other activities, never questioning, ”How do I have the opportunity to be able to do these things?” We instead ask and worry about other things, and don’t take time to acknowledge how we are able to have agency in our decisions of everyday life. The First Amendment allows US citizens to have privileges that don’t exist in some countries, like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to petition. Likewise, this amendment is unique to the United States of America, and no other country in the world has as many freedoms as the US. Because of these exclusive rights, we must protect them from being taken away. This is why the US has a military; to protect the freedoms exclusive to America. This is why we have Veterans’ Day; to celebrate the veterans of war who fought and put their lives down to keep their land free. This essay will go over why we should celebrate our country’s warriors, and it will talk about what veterans give up to protect their country, how their personal lives change, and how they affect our community/country.
Anderson believes that Americans are good at remembering our wars, but we only remember the major wars that threatened our liberty, our freedom, or our values. Anderson says this is because we use them to remind ourselves of what sacrifice is. ...
The students and I took several pictures of the Marine Corps Memorial Sculpture to share with family and friends. In conclusion, I have The Marine Corps War Memorial sculpture known as the Iwo Jima Memorial is a vital part of American History. Furthermore, as the tourist from across the world visits the Marine Corps War Memorial daily, they are reminded of the sacrifices of the men, and women during World War II. And how they lost their lives to protect the United States of
I myself feel like I fall under the "soft universalist", where I can recognize the fact that patriotism has the ability to act as a vice for one's country but at the same time I could also act as strength building factor for the country. It may act as a vice when the patriotism is so strong that the patriots are blind to their loyalties just for the fact of fallowing their country.
The Extent of American Unity and Identity Since early colonization the English colonies had always felt closer to England than to each other. In fact, it took a British newspaper less time to reach Savannah than a letter from Massachusetts. However, after the French and Indian War a sense of unity began to permeate through the colonies as a result of British acts. For every British action there was an American reaction, which fed the spirit of a new identity as Americans, not English colonists. The American identity was being established in the years before the revolution, but it was not the majority as some colonists stayed loyal to the King.
... is sent away from their homes and families to fight for the citizens of war torn countries. American soldiers volunteer their lives to defend these freedoms, both in America and abroad. America has built a foundation in history for its strength and resolve, and its citizens are willing to fight to keep this foundation in place for future generations.
In times of war, such as these, the importance for everyone to know where they stand on the idea of patriotism so they can voice or enact their opinion to the government and the people around them in a more clear and fair fashion is multiplied. The idea of patriotism can often be an obscure one, and during times of heightened security patriotism is a more spoken upon subject. Discussing the many different views of what patriotism means is a key step in better defining patriotism for all people. Barbara Kingsolver says in her article, “My patriotic duty is to recapture my flag from the men now waving it in the name of jingoism and censorship” (Pg. 2). What she means by this is that the idea of patriotism is being morphed into something it is not. She believes patriotism should encourage free speech and criticism of our leaders in times of difficult decisions. Instead, what is happening is patriotism is suggesting more fascist ideals than democratic ideals. Barbara believes her duty is to recapture the true meaning of patriotism and let everyone know what that meaning is. She wants everyone to feel open towards voicing t...
Patriotism is defined as: “devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.” Supporting your country in times of war is not the best way to define patriotism because patriotism should be shown at all times. This statement seems to give the idea that no matter the reason, if any reason you should support your government during times of war. Seeing that the government tends to get involved in wars that could have had good impact I agree with this statement. Yes, you should indeed support your government even if they are in the wrong that is a because in the end they are doing things to better our nation for future generations.
Being an American has a big picture that can be described in many ways. Personally, being an American is to achieve everything; however, the person next to you may have a different opinion about it. In history, America has been attracting immigrants from different parts of the world to live the full freedom and opportunity. To be an American means much more than living in the United States is to be able to expand the beliefs one has. That is why people view the American Dream.
Taking my English writing instructor’s advice, one day during my lunch break from work; I went on a short trip to Faneuil Hall. This historical building blends in with other red brick buildings in Boston. Therefore, you might pass it by, if it were not for the painted red line representing the Freedom Trail and a statue of Samuel Adams in the middle of the plaza. Before entering the building, one might compare this moment with, as Walker Percy says.
From 1941, when the United States joined the war, to 1945 when they finished the war, American citizens stayed loyal and pushed through the hardship of WW2 gaining the title of “victor”. With this victory the United States of America suffered losses in deaths and suffering that will always be remembered throughout society. The men, women, and children that changed the United States forever during World War 2 will now and forever have a special place in the heart of America. And be remembered as the “greatest
(185) These words that once held meaning have now lost their significance. No longer is the war about patriotism or courage; instead it is replaced by a certain crookedness, the national glories lost somewhere in-between the madness. War is now where the soldiers "are not organized to stop things and when they get organized, their leaders sell them out." ... ... middle of paper ...