Student Essay on What Patriotism Means to Me

What Patriotism Means to Me

Essay

Webster's Dictionary defines patriotism as "love and loyalty or zealous support of one's own country and people." Nothing fits that description better than the heroes of September 11, 2001. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon, many people flocked to churches, temples, and places of worship, to pray for their country. At the same time, people flooded stores, buying flags, pins, and anything baring the nation's colors. These people were said to have patriotism. In the months following the attacks, many people were credited with having patriotism. But in my opinion, most of the people who received credit, didn't deserve it as much as the people who were easily forgotten.

Living in New Jersey at the time of the attacks, I was greatly affected by them. Many families in surrounding neighborhoods were morning the loss of loved ones. One of those families was a family of one of my close friends. Another 9/11 hero was about to revel himself to me. On September 11, 2001, I was scheduled to play a soccer game against Saddle River Day School. This would have more significance than I would have ever thought. That morning Jeremy Glick, a graduate of Saddle River Day School, boarded United Airlines Flight 93, traveling from Newark to San Francisco. He didn't know he was about to be thrown into the most terrifying event to ever occur on American soil. In a call to his wife, Glick first asked if there had been any other attacks. Then, hinting that there had been some talk, asked his wife if she thought he should help in a possible attack on the hijackers. In her final words to her husband, Lyzbeth Glick said, " You do what you've got to do, Jeremy, be brave." A week after the attacks, we made up the game in memory of Jeremy Glick, and in honor of the Glick family, who in my mind exhibited true patriotism. Though most people would be terrified if their spouse was in danger, Lyzbeth Glick and told her husband to fight back.