(Part 1 in a series of 3)

            A lot is being said about Patriotism lately; and I wonder if watching what has been on television in the media is the right way to learn about such a very powerful thing. In some of the media right now, the Right blames the Left for taking away freedoms and too much government involvement of the personal life of a citizen; the Left blames the Right for protests that are contrived, thus hindering the progress of America-not to mention interfering with what they think is right. Both with strong points of view, endless debates no doubt. So where does patriotism fit in? Both the Left and the Right believe in Patriotism...right?

            I have the opportunity to be face to face with a myriad of people every day; both at our museum as well as on my regular job (Wingspan Air is all volunteer staffed). Since we do not discuss politics--one way or the other--at the museum or at work;  the opportunity to just "listen" is enormous.

            And what I have learned by listening?  That people love this country.  That the government should be "of the people, by the people, and for the people."   And the topper?   The majority of these folks do not belong to any protest groups or  organizations of what may be considered controversial by either the Left or the Right. They are:   Middle America.  They are working citizens that make America go ’round.  The folks who work in retail to big corporate with cubicle offices; construction workers building homes and roads; to bankers and real estate agents and brokers.  Assembly line workers and engineers.  In other words, Americans.

            Many of these folks also served in the military; some enjoyed their time while in the service, some did not, others indifferent. Nonetheless, veteran’s now. So where does Patriotism fit in? How does such a diverse group of individuals all be patriotic?

            Perhaps what I may be witnessing  and have been hearing from our volunteers is a bit biased, after visiting with these folks--people who stop in our museum--to learn about our veterans and our county’s history. And since our museum has opened, averaging around 3,000 visitors per month, that is a lot of folks with patriotic reasoning. Maybe, just maybe, we should listen more closely and intently to what these folks are not just saying, but have a very solid belief in.....

            Coming next; Part II of, "Patriotism Today, a Casual Observation"