When your nation calls upon you will you answer? Patriotism: the devotion to one’s nation and concern for its well-being. This trait is often not recognized or is completely forgotten about. In the article, “Veterans Day: Never Forget Their Duty” by John Sidney McCain (III), he depicts the emotional story of brave men who, when even in the “belly of the beast” maintain their composure and their patriotism. We must recapture this characteristic and sustain it for it is a meaningful aspect to a nation. John McCain takes us through his experiences while in the military and his feelings towards the thought of patriotism. Senator McCain himself is an American patriot for his service to our nation humorously illustrated by, “I spent five years …show more content…
Mike Christian was a prisoner of war, along with McCain and many others held captive in facilities, who sewed the American flag on his so that he and the others could recite the pledge of allegiance. Senator McCain states, “One day, the Vietnamese searched our cell and discovered Mike’s shirt with the flag sewn inside and removed it… for the benefit of all of us, beat mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours”, illustrating the price Mike paid for his devotion to his country. Mike shares the passion and pride that Senator McCain bears within him and is not afraid to express it illustrated by “sitting there, beneath that dim light bulb, with a piece of white cloth, a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian”. Many would not have done what Mike did some may even call him a fool, yet to him it’s more than just a mere piece of cloth, to Mike and the other prisoners it’s a symbol of hope and all that they stand for. Mike underwent hardship, however, he did not break; Mike remained the same man he was nonetheless and so did his love for his nation and fellow patriots. This is a true demonstration of American patriotism at its