"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

 

       America’s democracy was formed slowly and then quickly. The Declaration of

Independence was a pivotal point in 1776. However, there were signs of change dating back to the 1600s. The drafting and ratification of the constitution took a long 12 years, with its final completion in 1788. Our country is rapidly approaching our 250th anniversary. As with any important milestone, it is imperative to not only look forward to what we can become, but to also retrospectively analyze our successes and failures.

 

        I wonder, as a young girl myself, what I can do for patriotism to support our great country. I realize I am still too young to run for office. But one of the most valuable things I can do is simple - I can read. Reading voraciously and consistently and unapologetically, learning about how we got where we are as a country, warts and all, is so powerful.

 

        The journey towards an evolving and improving democracy is not a straight line without pitfalls and mistakes. I had the privilege of traveling to Hiroshima, Japan and was able to learn firsthand about one of America’s most monumental decisions - dropping two atomic bombs to end the world war.

 

         I witnessed the devastation it caused and reflected with hindsight. Millions of people

suffered and died. Women and children ran for their lives. Entire cities were left in ruin. I looked up in awe and horror, seeing the A-bomb dome, the only structure left standing after the bombing. I tried to put myself into the shoes of the decision makers at the time. Sometimes, incredibly difficult decisions leave us with no right or perfect answer. Only hindsight can provide answers as to whether our decision provides lasting change.

 

         I learned that the dropping of the bombs resulted in global change. The world agreed that the devastation caused by those bombs needed to be averted at all costs, and nuclear pacts were agreed upon to keep our world safe. No bombs have been dropped since that time. The world has remained safe from needing to make such critical decisions again.

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The growth of our country is similar to my own; I am constantly learning, and in doing so,growing. Mistakes are expected and need to be viewed as learning opportunities. They should not be erased from our memories. Only through looking honestly retrospectively are we able to move forward compassionately.