Pause to Reflect

   Patriotism is not measured by who wears the gaudiest flag display theme nor by who makes the loudest and longest speechifying pronouncement of his or her level of loyalty.
   Rather, it is shown on the 364 days other than the one marking a national day, whether that day be July 3 in Canada, July 4 in the U.S., July 14 in France or any other day celebrated by any other nation.
   Many veterans refuse to wear a lapel flag pin to "prove" their patriotism, since they believe they have already done so through their military service. In fact,  most combat veterans do not talk about their experiences at all, no matter how severe. They feel no need to "prove" their patriotism.They do, however, feel a need to meet occasionally with others, perhaps to share their experiences and relieve leftover trauma, but more likely simply to be with others who have "been there, done that" and who find some comfort in a social gathering with others with similar experience.
   Often, it is those who have not "been there" and who have not "done that" who have the most need to prove their own worth and patriotism by wearing the biggest flag pin or the loudest tie or the gaudiest shirt of national colors.
   It's good to honor the fallen and the survivors, as well as those now serving in the military. And "it is altogether fitting and proper that we do this," as President Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg in 1863.
   "But in a larger sense," Lincoln added, "we cannot dedicate -- we cannot consecrate -- we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract."
   Those who have been through the worst are often the first to shuck off the loud and flagrant praise from those who have not "been there" and who have not "done that," especially from those who try to take advantage of a patriotic occasion to advance their own political agendas and careers.
   So let us all remember and honor those who have struggled -- quietly or though military combat -- to keep the nation strong and confident in citizens' campaign to maintain the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
   And may the current occupant of the Oval Office take note of this day and act as though he deserves the title of president of the United States of America.