Voices of America: What is a patriot today?

The thing that is most responsible for shaping America is, well, Americans. That is why in our celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, we decided to talk to those who make America what it is: its citizens. The biggest takeaway? We're not all the same. But that’s just one of the things that makes us great. 

In this series, we asked dozens of Americans nine questions to gather their thoughts on America yesterday, today and tomorrow. Here is what they had to say.

What is a patriot today?

Someone who respects democratic values, supports their community by helping others and wants the country to improve for future generations."

— Adam Myara, restaurateur and real estate agent 

That’s somebody who believes that the United States is the greatest country there’s ever been. We certainly have our ups and downs and our difficulties to deal with, but when you compare to every other country, there’s no question we’re at the top of the list. I think that’s the kind of thing patriots believe in."

— Tom Freiwald, Longboat Key resident 

A patriot today is someone who still cares about this country regardless of who is in power or what they themselves believe is the correct answer to national problems."

— Paul Jordan, student at Lakewood Ranch High and member of Technology Student Association

I guess it’s somebody that's just doing the right things, ready to take up for those that can't do it for themselves."

— Ben Pieper, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and case manager with Veterans Affairs Law

A patriot can be described in many different ways. It can be a citizen voting or running for office, serving his country, speaking out against negative actions, but mostly standing up for every human's rights."

— Rosalie Weiss, retired Sarasota resident

A patriot today is someone who loves their country but believes in questioning their leaders."

— Jeffrey Goldman, Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library board member

A model citizen. Whether a patriot is a first responder or someone who is active in the community and just a good light for people in life. I think we need more of that. We’re seeing less and less of that these days. People who can help change people’s lives and make things better."

— Kevin Eisenmenger, Longboat Key resident 

For me, patriotism isn’t about big gestures. It shows up in everyday things — being there for your neighbors, pitching in, and doing your part to make your community stronger."

— Jim Emanuelson, president of Lakewood Ranch CERT 

I believe the true patriot seeks equality for all people, not just in one country, but throughout the world. That's a true patriot."

— Rahim Turner, independent contractor and barber 

Today's patriot still believes in the protection of the nation, even if the politics are so divided. 9/11 showed that when under attack, we can still come together to protect what we've fought so hard to achieve through these 250 years."

— Chip White, Sarasota resident and bar and restaurant owner

I believe a patriot today is someone who cares enough to stay informed, remain involved and thoughtfully participate in the future of our country. During my youth, people had fewer ways to understand national and world events unless there was a major crisis or war. Today, being an informed citizen is more important than ever, though it has also become more difficult because of the volume of information and competing viewpoints. A patriot values the strengths and principles of our past while trying to understand and work with the opportunities and challenges of the future."

— Mike Atkinson, Vietnam War helicopter pilot and Sarasota resident

Someone who is true to his country. A person who is willing to sacrifice, and not just only for themselves, but sacrifice for others."

— Greg Avery, Parrish resident

A patriot today is someone who stands for American values, who takes the time to understand our history, our founding documents and principles and why those things matter today. A patriot is someone who is involved in their community and is actively trying to help this country live up to its founding principles. A patriot is someone who recognizes the flaws and mistakes in our history, but doesn’t believe that those issues make us irredeemable or that our history should be torn down or erased because it doesn’t live up to today’s standards."

— Amanda Ballard, Manatee County commissioner 

Someone who respects the country, stands for freedom and personal liberties. It’s the best country in the world."

— Mike Smeraglia, Lakewood Ranch resident

Someone who is loyal to America."

— Gary King, Lido Key resident

Someone who supports America and the USA through and through, not just because of whoever is in charge, but who puts America first."

— Noel Ladd, co-owner of Couch LBK 

I believe a patriot today is someone who honors our nation’s past while believing our best days are still ahead. Patriotism means wanting a better future for the next generation — and wanting that future for everyone regardless of race, religion, background or political belief. To me, patriotism is rooted in hope, service and the belief that America works best when we move forward together."

— Karie Friling, Sarasota city manager 

Someone who leads by example honoring our heritage and those who have sacrificed for our safety and freedoms."

— Bill Schey, Marine Corps veteran and a board member for the Folds of Honor Southwest Florida and Chicago chapters 

Someone who knows and follows the Constitution, and upholds the values that our forefathers set down for us."

— Patti Benz, retailer (pictured right)

A patriot is a person that loves his country and shows that he loves this country, and willing to go beyond the call of duty to protect their rights and their privileges in this country."

— Jetson Grimes, president and founder of the Greater Newtown Community Redevelopment Corp., manager of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, and owner of Jetson’s Creative Trends salon