Summer always seems like Holiday Season, not just because of the warmer weather with picnics and outdoor activities, but also because we celebrate the three big national holidays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. This year, the 250th Birthday, is especially significant.
A recent article printed in the Messenger by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, is entitled “Why the bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus”. Included in his remarks is the hope that promoting devotion to the heart of Jesus will support truth, justice and charity in American life, thus fostering a positive forward-looking patriotism as opposed to a divisive, exclusionary blind nationalism. Archbishop Wenski quotes from St. John Paul II’s book, “Memory and Identity” to describe the difference between a constructive patriotism and a destructive nationalism: “patriotism is love of everything to do with our native land –its history, its traditions, its language[s], its natural features, whereas nationalism involves recognizing and pursuing the good of one’s own nation alone, without regard for the right of others.
This broad definition of patriotism encourages me to study and reflect on the total history of the land which is now America, going back to the earliest records – of our native peoples/ first nations, early explorers from Europe, Asia and other areas around the world before there were names to divide territories that were claimed. It was always about the land. The loving look at patriotism demands an honest review of human interactions and actions to recognize and honor the first peoples of this land – many of who were and are displaced, murdered, or dishonored –
in order that others may claim their tribal heritage for profit and personal gain. Even today, we witness this injustice in the decisions about Chaco Canyon, and other currently protected sites in New Mexico.
Patriotism leads us to honor all those women and men of our country who have codified and upheld the ideals embodied in our Constitution and the laws of the land in governance and military service. It also requires that we recognize the desirable presence and contributions of all who have come to these shores to build this nation in peace.
Let the practice of patriotism form us into our best self as a nation. As the United States’ 250th anniversary is celebrated let us eagerly take up the mantle to continue “The last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” George Washington, January 9, 1790.
