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.
