Patriotism doesn't hinge of symbols such as lapel pins

This weekend we wave flags, shoot off fireworks, sing the national anthem, and listen to John Philip Sousa marches as we celebrate our love for our country.

Many of us had nothing to do with our being Americans. We didn't do anything to deserve this honor. We didn't earn it. We are Americans by the accident of birth.

Those of us who were born here often look down our noses at those who have come here from other countries. We were here first, we assert.

But their patriotism, in contrast to ours, is something they chose. None of us got to choose our parents, but they did choose their country.

I love this midsummer reminder that I truly am blessed to be an American. My soul is stirred when I see the flag waving, hear the bands playing, and see once again "the rockets' red glare," but my love for my country isn't anchored in symbols such as these.

Supporters of the two presumptive presidential candidates are raising questions about the patriotism of the opposition candidate. Barack Obama didn't wear a flag pin in the lapel of his suit jacket; is he truly a patriotic American? John McCain flew an airplane and spent time in a prison camp; does that make him a heroic patriot?

Four years ago John Kerry was attacked as not being the naval hero he claimed to be. Critics once implied George W. Bush couldn't truly be a patriot because he dodged military service.

Patriotism - love of one's country - doesn't hinge on whether you think "The Star Spangled Banner" is great music or whether you wear a flag pin. I don't like it when people desecrate the flag, but that still doesn't disqualify a person from being patriotic.

Flags and national anthems and similar symbols are just that: symbols. They are not the country; they just symbolize it, like a cross symbolizes Christianity. I don't like it when people wear a cross simply as jewelry; to me it means much more. But even when it is used as jewelry the cross, and Christianity, still stand, just as the United States and the flag still stand even when someone destroys a flag.

The ability to handle disagreements is also a part of patriotism. In the words of Queen Elizabeth II, "True patriotism doesn't exclude an understanding of the patriotism of others."

One of Illinois' favorite sons, Adlai Stevenson, pointed out we should not "regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo?"

Abraham Lincoln's patriotism included these famous words: "With malice toward none, with charity for all - let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds."

There are at least two directions in which we can go with our patriotism. Illinoisan Carl Sandburg sounded the first: "If I added to [people's] pride of America, I am happy."

Another Illinoisan, Al Capone, voiced the other: "My rackets are run on strictly American lines, and they're going to stay that way!"

Blind, unquestioning assent, or a love and loyalty that seeks to make things even better. On this weekend, and throughout the year ahead, we get to choose.