Voices of America: How do you reflect your patriotism?

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.

How do you reflect your patriotism?

I'm a very patriotic person. I think one of the most notable things about me is that while I might dislike or disagree with what someone else is saying, I will defend their right to say it with my dying breath.

— MJ Price, comic, musician, performer and local volunteer

I reflect my patriotism by voting in every election because I never forget that women were not always guaranteed that right. Since my daughters were babies, I brought them with me to vote, and today all four of them are active voters themselves. I also believe I reflect my patriotism through more than 30 years of service in local government. Helping communities grow, thrive, and become stronger is one of the greatest honors of my life.

— Karie Friling, Sarasota city manager

I try to go to events, be involved in my community and do certain things that make me feel like, “This is what an American is supposed to be.” I think I’m doing an alright job with that.

— Luke Arnold, bicycle mechanic

I wear red, white and blue on the holidays. I’m proud of my country, and I tell people so.

— Scott Rhodes, Uber driver

In my personal life, I go out and always vote. I think that’s being patriotic. I don’t bash people from the other side — I listen to people’s opinions. I love democracy and hearing things out from other people. Then just simple things like wearing an America T-shirt that’s got an American flag on it for the Fourth of July or for Memorial Day. Respecting our veterans by going to grave sites or going to tourism aspects where people have been laid to rest. There are great things in our country that we get to experience if you can go out and travel.

— Sean Keith, HR advisor

We try to celebrate the Fourth of July how I think it should be — outside with your friends and family around a barbecue. Also, be grateful for the freedoms we have and that we live in a great country.

— Rob Hollway, The Out-of-Door Academy football coach

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

I love being American and am proud that my family has deep roots in this country since its founding. I’m actually working on becoming a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. However, I also think that it’s really important to remember that the American story is built on not only our culture and history, but also a shared set of values and beliefs. That’s the great thing about this country. An immigrant can be just as American as someone like me, whose family has been here over 250 years.

— Amanda Ballard, Manatee County commissioner 

I am a retired first responder, so with me, I mean it's God and country. That's how I look at all — God, country and family. I reflect on it and I just cherish our military. I’m thankful for them, bless them.

— Steven Merriman, retired police officer and firefighter 

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

My patriotism begins with casting my vote every Election Day. It is such an important role that I have. If I do disagree with my representatives, I never hesitate to let them know by contacting them.

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

I have tried to reflect my patriotism through service, leadership and helping others. As a young man, I proudly represented my community through athletics and later served as a gunship helicopter pilot in Vietnam with one of the Army’s most aggressive combat organizations. At the end of my first tour, I volunteered to extend because I believed I could continue helping fellow soldiers. Later in life, I worked to strengthen organizations and communities including six years in organizational planning at the New York Stock Exchange and later helping build connections within Georgia’s growing technology community. I have never sought public office, but I have always tried to contribute by helping teams and communities work together.

— Mike Atkinson, Vietnam War helicopter pilot 

My favorite song is the national anthem. We fly the American flag 24 hours a day and light it at night. We just put up a 250th birthday flag for the country. So we are strong patriots.

— Tom Freiwald, Longboat Key resident 

I've been in public office for 37 years, and so I guess I would say serving my community and being more concerned about the needs of others than the needs of myself.

— BJ Bishop, Longboat Key Town Commissioner