“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain

The flags are up because today is Armed Forces Day in the United States, a holiday initiated by President Harry S. Truman in nineteen forty-nine. I don’t celebrate martyrs, death or killing. I celebrate those who served to defend the principles on which this country is formed, and the Constitution embodying those ideals as the law of the land.

We’re not perfect as a nation or a people, but establishing goals, recognizing our flaws and weaknesses, and striving to improve is the process that will lead to success. Success means freedom, equality, liberty and justice for all. We don’t split hairs about our sexual preferences, politics, religious beliefs, education level, race, sex, creed, or origin. We sometimes fail, but we need to try to succeed, and sometimes that means we’ll fail. Get back up; embrace the ideals; try again. But don’t bastardize those ideals to rationalize your fears and hate. Rights are not ours to give, yet, that’s where we find ourselves. Someday, we’ll fully recognize and accept that as truth.

To all those who served or are serving, Happy Armed Forces Day. Thanks for serving.