What do Red, White, and Blue Mean to You?

            Do you know that the red in our American flag is hardiness and valor? It is our strength in battle and war along with our ability to endure it. Are you aware that white is pure intentions and high ideals? This color was chosen to represent our nation’s desire to humbly succeed. Have you been taught that blue is vigilance, perseverance, and justice? Our nation is cautious in our battles, yet we are determined for justice. Did you know any of these meanings? For most United States citizens, the answer is probably “no”. However, in some cases there may be a few who can answer “yes”. As Sarah Powell so clearly points out in the Partly Cloudy Patriot, our nation has forgotten what it truly means to be patriotic. We do not even know the meaning behind our flag or the fourth of July. Being patriotic is more than just waving a flag made in China. Patriotism is not watching fireworks, eating a hot dog, or sitting for the Pledge of Allegiance. Behind our nation as well as our patriotism stand our soldiers. They deserve our patriotism. Thus, Patriotism is standing for the National Anthem silently to show respect for our country. It is walking up to the person in the army uniform, shaking their hand, and saying “thank you for everything you have done for our country”. I believe our nation’s true patriotism can be brought back if we all learn the meaning behind it. 

The Color of Truth

Sitting in class this past week, I had been struck with a question. Why is it important to tell the truth?  Books such as The Things They Carried help people to recognize and understand moments from our history. Even though the author does so by writing mostly false stories, he manages to get his point across. The point in recreating the truth had been to convey the true feelings that accompany war. So, was the author in his right place to create false war stories? I believe he was. The author had not lied if you consider the fact that he had told the emotional truth. However, if he were to say that while posted in Vietnam he had the best time of his life then he would have been in the wrong. This would have been neither the emotional nor the factual truth and would have led to misconceptions about the Vietnam War. However, in terms of truth, not everything can be seen in black and white and I believe truth comes in gray. So, yes, it is important to tell the truth. Whether you tell the emotional or factual is up to you.