Youth On Filipino Patriotism

8

Youth on Patriotism; "How Far Would You Go For Your Country?"

The past has been a breeding ground of the patriotic, the noble, and the brave. Many a hero was born and numerous cries for nationalism, honor for one's country and justice have been heard echoing through the walls of Philippine history. Filipinos then hungered for the chance to show their dedication to their motherland. They were ready to fight to the last breath, to give up their soul, to die for their countryÐ'...this was true patriotismÐ'...offering what they had for the sake of their motherland without hesitation for what they wanted was recognition of the true Filipino citizen.

Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, Gabriela and Diego Silang, Andres Bonifacio, and Lapu-Lapu, to name only a few of the Filipino heroes who gave up their lives for the country's freedom against foreign oppression. They fought with their bolos, charging into war sometimes even if they were unprepared. The rest reached out through the pen. They wrote the truth about what was going on in the Philippines which sparked the Filipinos' thirst for freedom and they boldly faced the Spaniards with their shield that was patriotism.

But that was the past and we are now the present. The past when patriotism sprung forth in fountains through the youth, it seems to be dead with the youth of today. Gone were the days when they gave allegiance to the Philippine flag, or the triumphant and proud singing of the national anthem and the heartfelt Philippine pledge. Gone are the words "I'm proud to be Filipino" for now we ourselves look down on our heritage and culture. Sometimes there is an impression that we are ashamed. And maybe we are, but this should not be.

We were left with a legacy by past patriots, nationalists and heroes. Shall we allow this honorable and much fought for legacy to go to waste during our time? It would be a disgrace and disrespect to those who worked hard to accomplish true patriotism. It is up to us, the youth of today, to carry on this noble legacy. The only problem now is how to accomplish this feat.

Patriotism is such a profound subject that is intensely enveloped in moral obligations to the motherland we have come to call home, the Philippines. We, as the youth of today have an obligation to our country. We have to step out of the shadows and once again find that spark within us that will once set the torch of patriotism. We can do this in our everyday activities because being patriotic is present in our daily lives.

We can start by praying for our country. We should pray that our Philippine leaders will be guided in making better decisions for the betterment of our country. We need better leaders to govern us to a better future. Sometimes their mind gets clouded and they need the prayers of the people. It is sad looking at our government these days. Sometimes it is as if we have gone to the dogs. All they need now is the support and prayers of the people.

Next we should start singing the Philippine national anthem with the same fervor that the past Filipinos did. By singing the anthem with your whole heart and really feeling it you give great pride to the motherland that has become your home. Stand tall and proud with your right hand on you left chest and sing with a clear voice even though you do not agree with the weather.

The biggest injustice the youth of today has done to the Philippine flag is disrespecting it. We no longer hold our head up high while singing the anthem. We do not look up with the proud glow that the past Filipinos did. We should change this attitude of ours. We should be proud of our flag and keep it in good condition. It would be a great shame to use a tattered and faded flagÐ'... People in authority, especially in government buildings and schools should look after this matter. They should regularly check the condition of the flag.

Let us also face the fact that the youth of today is more tech savvy. They own the most up to date gadgets they can afford. They swarm the malls in designer clothes and