What is Patriotism?
Thursday, August 12th, 2010On Tuesday I visited the Monroe County Council meeting to give a brief update about the Karst Farm Park Playscape Steering committee activities.
An interesting question came up from Councilman Warren Henegar. He asked about the “Patriotic Corner” that is to be installed as part of the experience for all inclusive activities at the Playscape environs.
Without going into it extensively he did say that he hoped that patriotism would be defined by things beyond the cursory flag waving and military themed types of features. I couldn’t agree more…
Hopefully we answered his questions or comments with a reassuring thought that the concept so far is that the feature will be organic to the park and playscape…and that it is educational…it is so early that I have to believe there is time to plan and create something interesting, inspiring and thought provoking.
So, what is patriotism?
Councilman Henegar mentioned the John F. Kennedy quote, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country…My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
What is patriotism in the context of a public park? In the context of a park which is to be inclusive for people of all abilities?
Yesterday was my father’s 73rd birthday. Here he is as a young man at West Point. I will admit that this makes me feel patriotic and very proud of my father. And I think he’d be first to say that patriotism is expressed in many ways. Being that he is a very mischievous person with a good sense of humor, I think he’d even say that humor might well find a place in a moment of patriotic reflection. He does appear to be smiling in this picture and I can just imagine some kind of funny story he could tell about those old days at West Point…
