“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
The future of our country and our state depend on what we do at home as a family, both through the history shared and the lessons taught.
In our homes we teach not only history, but also the reasons we fight for the freedoms and rights of Americans. We should teach our children that it is an honor to wave the flag, not only on special occasions such as July 4th, but also any time we see it, say the pledge of allegiance, or sing the national anthem.
We must also remember that our homes should be used to model actions as well as teach facts. Indeed, the home is where our children watch us closely to see if we are practicing what we are preaching.
“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained,” Winston Churchill said.
Today, those who stand for freedom and the other values our country was founded upon are either canceled or painted as racist. Those who have this courage to stand show that strong, patriotic blood runs deep in their veins – backing down isn’t an option. We need more of these men, leaders, and examples to continue the fight for our freedoms.
But as important as these men and fathers are in modeling and fighting for American freedoms, we as moms also need to get in the fight, raising boys that will grow up to be these strong men one day.
Sometimes as moms, we think that these things should be taught by dads only. Yet the time mothers spend with their children at home allows for much teaching of patriotic virtues and their importance. Turning off the television and getting out a history book will produce greater value, raising more and more children who know what we salute, why so many died, and why singing the national anthem brings tears to your eyes.
So take your children to every museum you can and take trips to visit historical places. Hold a family movie night and watch “The Patriot.” It’s a perfect movie that will put fire in your belly, and hopefully encourage you to remember why we should parent and teach our children about the importance of faith and standing for what our forefathers fought for and our ancestors died to protect.
And when the newest Barbie movie is telling your boys that wearing pink and being dominated by a female is the way to go, you be strong. Send your boys outside barefoot and shirtless to learn and explore. Let them hunt, fish, and learn to provide. Let them be boys that grow into men, who, if called to battle for our freedom one day, will hold their heads high and run into battle instead of running from it.
The patriots are rising and shaking things up. Let’s continue to fuel the fire.
Ashley Carter is a wife, mother, and grandmother living in Elmore County, where she and her husband run Farm to Table Living and Carter Farms. Ashley serves as Controller and Executive Assistant at 1819 News. She is currently working on an inspirational book of short stories. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email ashley.carter@1819news.com.
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