Keep up the patriotism on Election Day

I couldn’t help but notice the crescendo of patriotism as we approached the observance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. TV news reported this-and-that plan of observance and the newspaper reported observance occasions. I have noticed also that when the national anthem is played everyone stands in an expression of patriotism. I’m sure some don’t want to stand but would be embarrassed to sit while others feeling more patriotic stand.

While these observances and standing for the national anthem are good practices and bring us together as a nation, I wonder where all this patriotism will be on Election Day when it’s time to actually participate in governing by expressing your preference for a candidate to govern our nation by voting?

I suspect 80 percent to 90 percent of the country will take notice of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and 100 percent will continue to stand for the national anthem, and then there will be a 40 percent voter turnout next ballot. I sure hope I’m wrong.

Gary Carmichael

Des Plaines