
What does it mean to be patriotic?
Is it only being a soldier fighting in war
Or standing for the national anthem
Is it voting for the “Right” political party
And talking junk about the one that’s “Left”
Is it always agreeing with government policy
Or putting your hand on your heart for the pledge…
Making sure we leave out “In God we trust!”
Perhaps it is voting that makes us patriotic
Picking from a list of unknowns or voting a straight ticket
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Patriotic people include many who make life happen
Doctors and nurses care for the sick and injured
Orderlies clean up the messes and mop the floor
Factory workers daily keep America humming
Truckers haul it to your destination
Farmers raise the crops that feed us all
Teachers lay the foundation of future success
Construction workers build our buildings
Pastors and Priests care for our souls
Soup kitchen workers and volunteers feed the homeless
Business people Secretaries // Mail carriers and police
Mothers of children shaping young lives
Cooking, Cleaning // Loving and Caring
And the list goes on and on…
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Perhaps it is those who show respect to one and all
Workers for peace both at home and abroad
Those who bring people together building relationships
Patriots stand for justice and care for the needy
All who contribute to the common good
Make our country strong
And…
Are patriots in their own right
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Photo: Dwight L. Roth