Patriotism: World War II parallels apply today
Recently, on the anniversary of VE Day, we remembered that 75 years ago we succeeded in vanquishing a threat to the world and our way of life.
Nearly everyone including my father served to bring this about. When the subject of the war was brought up around my father, it was mostly glossed over.
On occasion , there was mention of certain people in our town who had not stepped up when duty called. They had wanted their life to go on as it had.
Everyone else knew that to overcome the threat to our way of life, sacrifices were needed. So they listened to their leaders – not just political but religious , historical and journalistic – and did their part.
Presently, in the battle of the day, there are some who don’t want to step up. But the rest of us will.
We’ll put on our helmets (masks), climb into our foxholes (shelter at home) and keep supporting the people on the front lines (nurses, doctors, first responders, etc.)
Patriotism was never about me, it was about we, no matter how many flags you wrap yourself in.
Kim Dixon, Milton
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 9:08 AM with the headline "Patriotism: World War II parallels apply today."