As I write this it is still July, and I can see July 4 in my rearview mirror. So perhaps it is not inappropriate to discuss patriotism. Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as love for or devotion to one's country. A recent poll indicated that there was a significant decline in patriotism in young people. When asked if they were extremely or very proud to be an American, 85% of people in the range of 18 to 29 years old gave a positive answer in 2003. Twenty years later in 2023 there were only 42% in a similar age group (18-34 years old) who were patriotic. Let's take a look at some of the reasons for patriotism, and hopefully this will help us to understand the decline.
In 9/11 terrorists flew planes into New York and Washington buildings, and a fourth was probably headed for the White House but was commandeered by patriots and flown into a field in Pennsylvania before it could reach its target. George W. Bush who was president at the time spoke to the nation by saying that "our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorists can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of Americans." In his broadcast he mentioned Psalm 23: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me." Bush, who few would say is a great orator, rose to the occasion with these stirring words.
During times of crisis religion plays a larger role. Two months after 9/11 a poll indicated 78% of people considered religion's influence in America was increasing. It was more than double the level of 8 months earlier. Churches and synagogues are often filled after tragedies when people feel their need of God. At other times the perceived need evaporates. Church membership has declined from the historic level of 70% or more before 2000. But since the turn of the century rates have plummeted with younger people leading the decline. Gallop found that those born before 1946 were at 66% church membership, but millennials were down to 36%.
Great oratory has often been used to arouse and bolster patriotism. Winston Churchill used it in the darkest days of WW11 when Britain stood alone against the Nazis. In a broadcast to the British people he said: "...we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets...we shall never surrender...." After the Battle of Britain, he gave a rousing speech which included: "Never has so much been owed by so many to so few." Then who can forget the words taught to us in school about Patrick Henry. This fiery orator told the Founding Fathers: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
The written word has also been used as a weapon of patriotism. Thomas Paine, an Englishman who ended up in America at the invitation of Benjamin Franklin, wrote a widely distributed pamphlet named Common Sense in 1775. It criticized the British monarchy for hindering liberty for the colonists. Paine was born in Norfolk, England, and spent six years in Lewes, Sussex--about 25 miles from where I was raised. A few years ago, my wife and I wet our whistles in the lounge of a Lewes hotel where Paine had developed his ideas with others. He has been called "The Father of the American Revolution." A statue of Paine has recently been erected in Lewes.
Oratory and writing are not the only weapons. After 9/11 David Rodriguez used his singing voice to bolster patriotism. He had been a member of the New York police, on duty during 9/11. But then he used his magnificent tenor voice to sing God Bless America. I have heard a recording of his rendition at that time, and it certainly touches the heart. He left the police because he felt his patriotism would be better displayed by use of his musical talents. Many places have patriotic concerts. At one such concert in our church, I was privileged to say a few words about how I became an American. It was a proud day for me.
So back to where we started. What are the reasons for the decline in patriotism, particularly in young people? Few of those are old enough to remember or to have been born at the time of 9/11. Many have been involved in riots where our flag has been trodden down and burned. Most have had little education in school or university that bolsters national pride. And few have had little training in Judeo-Christian values. I fear that as these young people grow older and become an increasing percentage of the population, we will have further declines in patriotism. Let's hope it doesn't take another national tragedy to bring us to our senses.
Peter Gilderson, Madison.
