I want my children to learn that the manifestations of patriotism are as diverse as those who call themselves patriots. I want them to know that patriotism is choosing to endure torture and persecution for the sake of others when your own privilege would have allowed you to forego such suffering.  I hope they understand that patriotism is fighting against prejudice and stereotype because you believe you can create a positive change in the lives of others. Each set of actions demonstrates a love of country no more or less profound than the other and each profoundly meaningful in its own context.

An American flag pin on a lapel means far less to me than the sacrifice that is inherent to public servitude. I want children to understand the concept of servitude as it pertains to our duty as Americans. While I hope to raise children with sound political ideals, more important to me is that they realize that where one stands on the issues has little to do with being American. Each day, thousands of men and women sacrifice their safety, abilities, and time for the betterment of those around them.

No matter where my children stand on issues like the war in Iraq, education, gun control, or political corruption, I hope they are raised with sound enough minds to understand that supporting or not supporting an issue is entirely separate from supporting soldiers, teachers, firefighters, police officers, and all those who offer up their lives in service.

This year, my children will watch the world’s top athletes compete in a communist country notorious for human rights violations. As my children cheer on their American representatives, I want them to do so not for the glory of victory. I want them to cheer for American athletes because regardless of their race, religion, gender, or beliefs, we collectively believe they are champions. I hope my children understand that our presence at those games is more than about sport. It is about standing up in a world of injustice and demonstrating the greatness that can be achieved when we strive to tear down barriers and make opportunities equal.

This day marks the day that the leaders of our country officially ratified a document declaring our collective intolerance for injustice and inequity. These men declared a vision for what they wanted their country to be. Their idealism, their sacrifice, and their hope made them America’s first citizens and patriots.

Today I want my children to celebrate what that truly means. I do not want them to talk about what language we should speak or what walls we should erect along our borders. I want them to look beyond the pervasive fear and quest for power that so often dominate our cultural landscape.

I want them to know about the ideal that is “America.” It is an ideal that we so often fall short of reaching. But if we ever hope to attain the vision for what America can be, we must instill in our children the sense of what is possible when justice, liberty, equality, and service are the driving forces behind our actions and our beliefs. I want them to understand that to be a patriot, they do not have to love what is. They must only believe in and work for what is possible.

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