From the Pastor: Patriotism. What is this as a value in the midst of our Christian faith? Ultimately, patriotism is rooted in love of country, one’s native land, and the family of citizens. The best of patriotism can find its roots in God’s commandment to love – God, self, and neighbor.

Singing the national anthem of the United States, showing respect to the flag, assuming a particular posture (standing) and offering gestures (hand over heart) have all been in the news in recent weeks. Gymnast, Gabby Douglas, was criticized for not placing her hand over her heart during the national anthem and raising of the flag at the Olympics. Then, Colin Kaepernick sat during the anthem at a NFL game and promises to continue to sit until changes occur in race relations and policing in the U.S. Ms. Douglas explained that she meant no disrespect. She, and many others, did not know that the gesture was required. The gesture has only been required since 1998 when the U.S. Flag Code was updated. Mr. Kaepernick is concerned that the flag, which represents his native land, is flying over a country that is not protecting its best values and freedoms for all citizens. He seeks change and reports that he wants action.

As a result, questions have been raised about the notion of patriotism. What is required to be patriotic? What does patriotism mean? Additionally, there are questions about the meaning of being Catholic and American. Furthermore, the discussions show confusion of some terms, like “patriotism” as compared to “nationalism.” First of all, the flag is the flag of a particular country, the United States of America. It is not the flag of the government, or only of the military, or veterans. It is the flag of all the citizens of the country. Many have accused, not only the two persons mentioned above, but also others who have protested during flag ceremonies or during the singing of the anthem, as being disrespectful to men and women of the military and veterans. For the sake of dialogue we must acknowledge that while military service members are citizens, the flag is no more theirs than it belongs to ALL citizens.

As to the difference between nationalism and patriotism note that St. Pope John Paul II, wrote: “Whereas nationalism involves recognizing and pursuing the good of one’s own nation alone, without regard for the rights of others, patriotism, on the other hand, is a love for one’s native land that accords rights to all other nations equal to those claimed for one’s own. Patriotism, in other words, leads to a properly ordered social love.”
[My bold and italics] (Memory and Identity, 67)
Peace, Fr. Andy