Are Americans a bunch of bandwagon patriots?

Nothing is more “American” than Sunday night football. Growing up I remember watching football with my family. I never realized what it was we were taking part in, until today.

Here we are 3 full weeks after 9/11 and seems almost as if we have all forgotten. Not just about the tragic events of that day, but about just how amazing this country truly is. That is why I ask the question, are Americans a bunch of bandwagon patriots?

I remember 9/11 vividly… It was my 18^th birthday and I remember how my world changed. Not just because legally I was allowed to fight for my country, vote, get my first bank account without my parents, rent a car and buy cigarettes… but because for the first time in my short life I felt the wonderful feeling of being a citizen of a truly united country. It was the America I studied in history class and went on to study while getting a bachelors degree in history. Now let me be clear... I have always been proud of my country. I just never felt unity like I did then.

Now, I look at my younger family members and they don’t see America as I see America. When I think of America I think of the pledge of allegiance, bald eagles, stars & stripes, public prayers, hard work pays off and one nation under God. I think of being proud of being “American”… Not “Mexican- American” or “African-American” or “Asian-American”. We used to all be AMERICANS and we were all working to live the American dream… the idea that if you work hard, do what’s right and pray every night you too can live the dream.

I watched the 9/11 coverage this year and felt so proud to be a part of this country. I was moved to tears. I admit I tear up a little every time I hear the national anthem… It gives me chills. I think of all of the opportunities I’ve been given and have taken advantage of, all because I was lucky enough to be born an American. I thought of all of the brave men and women, including my step-brother, who fought for me to live the wonderful life I live.

Then I thought about all the people who are trying to change this beautiful country. They don’t believe in hard work paying off, they don’t believe in following the rules or being an American. They feel we should all be hyphenated Americans. And this frustrates me because I tell everyone “I’m an American first, a Texan second, Christian third and I just happen to be a “Latina”.

With all of that being said… I still feel there is hope. While doing one of the most American things I can do, watching Sunday night football, I saw a glimmer of hope. The Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets were about to play and Martina McBride was singing our national anthem and there they were… professional athletes who are trained to be rough and tough… grown men in full football pads singing our national anthem. Not only were they singing our national anthem but they had tears in their eyes. I would like to think and will continue to think until I’m told differently that they were thankful for the men and women who fight for our freedoms and their right to be paid millions to play the game they love. I would like to think that they aren’t bandwagon patriots but that they are truly proud to be Americans...

If they can cry for this country on national television the rest of us should cry for this country. We should remember the America that was and that can still be. We need to be proud to wave old glory, say the pledge of allegiance in schools, pray before public events, teach our kids about the history of this country and most importantly teach our kids to be proud to be Americans!




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