I am a veteran, but I served before the 500,000 who've now served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I served from 1990-1995, "visiting" Guantamo Bay, Puerto Rico and Okinawa.
But all of America's veterans, whether they are combat vets, or those who served in peace; whether they were drafted or served voluntarily... I salute them.
There are many issues that veterans face, starting with the promises that are made when anybody is in the service: The service member vows to potentially risk his or her life for the preservation of our nation. He or she vows to suspend some personal liberties- to go half-way around the world, to be separated from friends, from love, from children.
In exchange, our nation promises to help them with medical care, provide some lower-interest loans for homes, a subsidy for college, and a few other things. If they serve 20+ years, they can even get a pension. If they get injured from their service, we help them.
It is a job that has low pay, but offers many the opportunity to move up the societal ladder through a college education and home ownership, and knowing that their country would help provide health care if they need it. All you have to risk are bullets, artillery, grenades, an IED, a land mine, an air strike, years of POW status, etc... "Life and limb."
I am proud of my service in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee. During my enlistment, I did not face combat, and can only salute and bow in respect to those men and women who have. I can't even begin to express my gratitude and humility to those who gave everything.
But patriotism isn't partisan... they don't ask "Democrat or Republican" when you raise your hand and swear to protect and defend. Even though one of our parties is usually quicker to war, when the other is quicker to protect the returning veterans, their rights, their benefits and respect.
And patriotism isn't only shown through service in uniform or carrying a weapon.
There are patriotic Americans of every political persuasion serving every day in the United States... Teachers, police, firefighters, social workers... people who are helping the country be better, be safer, and be more humane.
Why do I consider these people patriotic? Because they are sacrificing the opportunity to serve only their own needs and interests. Whether it's going for a degree other than an MBA and trading the potential of millions by selling futures or securities, for the chance to have excessive student loans because their degree will help others. Or because they want a degree that will help others achieve "more" than they might have themselves. Think of the lowly educators who taught the doctors, the engineers, the MBAs...
Patriotism is simply believing in America, and helping it continue to be that beacon. Disagreeing with each other isn't unpatriotic, but calling others who disagree with you unAmerican, is. Making America better takes work. We can always be better- and as Americans, we need to focus on working at being better.