Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
What is Patriotism?
It’s hard to define but you know it when you see it. It’s not the love of a particular government or administration, it’s the love of country and its people and principles, demonstrated by ordinary citizens. And not so ordinary heroes.
When I was in New York City last fall, we didn’t visit the 911 Memorial. I assumed we would, but once we were there, it felt too real, like sacred ground.
But we did walk by Fire Station Engine 40 Ladder 35, home to eight firefighters who lost their lives defending our country on that terrible day.
It’s good to remember. And appreciate their sacrifice.
And the sacrifices made by many throughout our country’s history.
May it not be in vain.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Amen and happy Fourth.
Thank you. You too!
Well said, Susanne. Happy Independence Day to you and your family.
Thanks so much. Happy 4th to you and yours.
Amen, Susanne. Never forget. Happy Independence day! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
Thanks, John! Happy 4th to you!
May their efforts never be forgotten
Yes, truly.
Very well said, Susanne and compelling images! My nephew is a Couer D’Alene fire captain and stands with countless other firefighters this week as three of their own were gunned down by a sniper in response to a fire call in Idaho. May we all appreciate what Independence Day means to our country as we continue to fight for our freedoms.
Thank you, Terri. I saw that on the news. What a senseless and tragic loss of life! How much we owe to these first responders for their bravery! Thank you to your nephew and all who serve selflessly!
Beautiful post. Happy Independence Day!
Thank you! Happy Independence Day to you, too!
So true!
thank you!
A very appropriate post for the 4th in 2025, Susanne.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. I really had to think about it this year.
wise reflections, and honoured it is part of squares
Thank you so much
We did the same thing!!
Mrs. Bibb International Student Director Portland Adventist Academy
Many lives were lost from Connecticut since so many live here and work in the City. A lingering pain reminding us that many don’t like our country.
Yes. I hadn’t considered the losses from the 9-11 Twin Towers extended so far beyond NYC.
You defined “patriotism” succinctly! To me patriotism and heroism aren’t synonymous. A patriot respects the law of the land she loves. That means obeying traffic laws, not annoying your neighbors with loud anything, and generally doing whatever she can to promote the welfare of one’s community. Heroism goes a step farther, putting the well-being of another ahead of one’s own.
In my neighborhood people are divided over the use of personal fireworks (which are explicitly illegal in this fire-prone area). Those who feel entitled to their fun are pitted against those who dread seeing their pets traumatized and their sleep interrupted. The pro-fireworks people feel that they are the patriots while the other side think they are scofflaws (at best).
Thank you for your comment! I was pondering patriotism, trying to come to terms with what it means in our (divided) country today. I like your definition, too! 🙂
Thank you. Happy 4th to you, and now the 5th! 🙂