Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I�ll be giving a short speech on the topic of �Patriotism�.
Wikipedia defines the term �patriotism� to be �the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to one’s country. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.�
Simply put, patriotism is to love and support one�s country or motherland. To be patriotic thus involves feeling pride on account of one�s nation.
Patriotism is thus a word closely associated with nationalistic sentiments. Adlai Stevenson, former governor of Illinois, has in fact once said, �Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.�
Patriotism is hence not an emotion that will pass by after a short, considerate period of time but is rather, a long-term, lifelong process throughout one�s life.
At the same time, patriotism shouldn�t be blind. One must criticise their land should the need arise.
Thank you.