There are times and places where being a Patriot is easy. The small town 4th of July parade, where everyone is smiling and laughing, waving the American flag, singing the National Anthem. A soldier’s funeral, where the coffin is draped in the Stars and Stripes, 21 guns sound a salute to the greatest sacrifice for freedom. After a national tragedy, like September 11, 2001, the country comes together, unifies around what it means to be a Patriot. What it means to be an American.
For most, being a Patriot in these times is the most natural thing. Yet, it is not these times of natural patriotism that show who we really are. Rather, it is the times where being a Patriot is hard, frowned upon, that truly show what we are made of.
“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.
Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” ~Thomas Paine
The Patriots who graduated from this years Northeast Regional Patriot Academy were no sunshine patriots. These young men and women (the majority under the age of 20) have seen firsthand what is means to stand up for the principles of freedom in an area that is largely hostile to the Constitutional foundation of our nation.
The students at this years Northeast Regional Patriot Academy understand how valuable freedom is. They understand the cost associated with the fight to preserve it. Yet they have a passion that is causing them to stand unflinching in the face of staggering odds.
And thanks to Patriot Academy, they now have the tools and training necessary to not only fight this battle for freedom, but to win.
The Patriots at this years Northeast Regional Patriot Academy are not empty suits looking to be somebody, looking to wield power for personal gain. No, thanks to Patriot Academy they are prepared now to be Patriots, surrounded by darkness, but refusing to become part of it. They are prepared to reflect the light of truth, stand on principle, looking forward to that glorious triumph to come.
They are champions.
