Voices of Patriotism: Darci and Hunter Jacobs

In 2015, Darci Jacobs, a 25-year Sarasota resident, opened the retail store Panache on Main Street. Her son, Hunter, is a graduate of the Sarasota Military Academy. Their experiences with military academies has shaped the way they view patriotism and what it means to be American.

Interviewed by Katie Johns

“What does it mean to be American? To be free. To be able to open Panache. I’m all about treating people the way they deserve to be treated, doing the right thing, being able to do the right thing.”  -- Darci

“To me it it means to be understanding of everybody for any and everything. I feel that it’s our responsibility as American citizens to provide the luxuries that we have to all people. The luxuries of choice for anything big and small.” -- Hunter

“I know patriotism is defined as being devoted to one's country, but I feel that being patriotic should be doing everything you can for the well-being and benefit of your country and your people. The country being as a whole, being how its run, I feel it takes more than just someone serving in the military to be patriotic. I feel doing your part no matter what is it, no matter how small it might seem from the person who's sitting in presidential seat to someone outside on a garbage truck, each person doing their part.” -- Hunter

 “I feel that people have taken it [patriotism] to a more personal level where they feel that unless you have the specific set of ideals and are supporting what each group thinks is correct, then you’re being patriotic or you’re not. That's why people have such issues with somebody speaking their mind and voicing their opinion because it’s contrary to think they’re not being patriot, but I think being patriotic means doing your part whatever is it to benefit the mass.” -- Hunter

“I see people helping one another. When men walk by with their veteran hats on, people thank them for their service. I see a lot of that here. I think it’s increased. I don’t know if it’s because I’m more aware now, but the media also plays a lot more than what it did.” -- Darci

“I feel like a lot of people my age are much more privileged. I feel like every generation has highs and lows, and the lows always seem to stick out more. I feel that we’re no better or worse than any of the other ones that have come in the last 10 years.” -- Hunter

“Every day, do unto others as you would do unto yourself. Hold your head high.” -- Darci

“I think people need to appreciate what we have. I think we live in the greatest country in the world. Not that I’m a world traveler, but I think we’re very lucky and blessed to be living in America and do anything we want.” -- Darci

“Always to be thankful for what I have. It’s an easy one, but it’s true. Anything that I wanted, they [parents] made me appreciative of what I had. If I wanted something, I had to show that I deserved it rather than just getting it because I asked. Everything I asked for, I earned, and when I had to get a job, I was already kind of used to it because I know with toils comes rewards.” -- Hunter