The Patriotism Within Me

After reading Sarah Vowell's Partly Cloudy Patriot, I could not help but explore a recollection of my past. Throughout my life, I thought of traveling around the world. I would explore the breath-taking scenic views to the everyday life in villages and cities. This was my envision of a perfect life before I was ten. The moment that changed this vision, ironically, was when I was traveling. During the sizzling summer of 2012, I was heading to New York City for the 4th of July weekend. This was the first vacation where I would actually be able to take in the sights and sounds of a city that was not my home. For the first few days, I was terrified. I had never seen so many dirty alleys, obnoxious people, and crowded streets. I did not want to leave the hotel at all, especially during the night. Two days later, it was the 4th of July and probably the most spectacular showcase of lights would be taking place just a few blocks from me. I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity, so me and my family headed down there and got a good spot before the other tourists and natives rushed in to occupy the space. Making observations as we waited, I noticed the Hudson River was murky with trash floating on the edges. After about forty-five minutes, the show began. The glimmering lights filled the pitch-black sky to such an extent that we could call it day time. The ships were creating thunderous sounds as they let their goods sparkle above the New York City skyline. That moment, gazing at shining lights with the Star-Spangled Banner playing in the background, was where I questioned my perfect life. Why would I travel across the world looking at all the scenic views while I would ignore all the natural beauty that lies in our country. This country has every landscape that there is: Deserts, Forests, Beaches, Mountains. I couldn't pass up the magnificence of this nation. I realized that I was ignorant to the patriotism within me. As I looked around at the hundreds of thousands of people standing near me, they showed me the true meaning of patriotism. It is standing by one another with unity to explore the greatness that lies around us and how we can build on it. As I left the show with an army of people surrounding me, I didn't think of them as strangers, but friends. With all of us helping each other and learning the true meaning of patriotism, we can not only change our own community, but the nation as a whole. In Partly Cloudy Patriot, Sarah Vowell said, "...seeing them was heartening because they indicated that we're all in this sorrow together" This idea brings attention to the fact that no country can function without its people working together and spreading awareness to the problems that overshadow the good.
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