We all probably believe we are good citizens. We pay our taxes, well at least most of us do. Celebrations are arranged throughout the year, and many are rooted in patriotism.

Some people display the flag daily or mostly on special days like Memorial Day, or Flag Day and we enjoy the festivities of the Fourth of July with fireworks and picnic meals. Some of us decide that within our love of country, which is what we really mean by the nomenclature of Patriot, is to serve our country in the Armed Forces.

Young men and women join the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Now we’ve added the Space Force to our group and include the Merchant Marines as well, even though they aren’t as visible and strong as they were in the years dating to the Second World War.

These unselfish patriots sign up for no fewer than two years of their post adolescent lives taking the responsibility of defending our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. At the early ages of 18, they learn to operate million-dollar pieces of equipment. They stand in front of the line between freedom and oppression. They guard our shores from abroad against all forms of terrorist attack. In other countries around the globe, they protect our embassies that offer sanctuary to those being persecuted and having their freedoms removed. In all respects they represent the good face of the United States and prove its strength above any other nation. Returning to the at home patriots there are many forms within government outside of the military. Our Border Patrol keeps close surveillance on the dividing lines between our country and the next.

Custom Agents secure our land from other types of intrusion, and we employ the FBI, CIA NSC and a wealth of other federal agencies all geared to protecting each individual citizen. From states to counties to local communities there are patriots serving in the capacity of First Responder. Safeguarding lives and property as troopers, sherrif’s deputies and local police. These men and women are the internal eyes and ears of the nation. They are spread systemically through the many cities’ towns and villages across the country. Joining that group are Firefighters and EMS workers. The indication of these people’s patriotism is found not just in their actions and resolve but it’s seen upon their sleeves where a patch of the American Flag can be found.

Many of the past military folks maintain their high level of patriotism with memberships in special clubs like the American Legion, or VFW, even the AMVETS, DAV or other clubs dedicated to Americanism like the Masonic Lodge or Moose club where membership isn’t reserved for prior military personnel.

Claiming your badge of patriotism is simple in America. It starts with a great love for your country. Add to that a belief in our form of government and following the constitution as the law of the land.

Showing patriotism can be as easy as exercising your right to vote or flying your flag, especially on the nation’s holidays. How that patriotism is held versus displayed is something more. It’s the feeling within your heart about our country.

We show our patriotism through the many different forms listed in this article, but the truth of how it is to you is special and only needs to be known by yourself. It can be loud and clear, or it can be silent and reserved. This is one of the most special things about the way we live.

We can choose for ourselves just how we want to be viewed. Not every true-blue patriot broadcast that sentiment to the world. Some do and others remain silent.

Whichever path you choose, know that you are a patriotic citizen of this great United States and your opinion matters, and your vote is crucial upon many different topics.

Be proud of your heritage as an American. Know that no other citizen of any other country in the world has the same freedom and liberty that you enjoy. A part of being patriotic means responsibility to keeping our nation a republic of the people by the people that is for the people.

Doing these few things identifies you as an American Patriot.

Kirk L. Miller, is past commander of the Chautauqua County American Legion, Eighth District, Department of New York.