Is Patriotism Waning?
 

This was posted by a cousin of mine on Facebook. She expressed a feeling I myself have been feeling recently.

I don't often write posts on Facebook, but this has been really bothering me and I decided to say something. We were asked to change one light to green on our porches on Veteran's Day in honor of our veterans and leave it on for one week. I couldn't think of anything that was easier to do to show my gratitude and respect for all of our Veterans. We bought our green lightbulbs right away and were proud to show our patriotism. I was amazed as we drove around the city and elsewhere to see how few green light bulbs there were. Then the terrible tragedy happened in Paris and all I could think of was my green light. My heart goes out to the people of France, but my love and gratitude is with the Veterans of this Country who have risked their lives and continue to do so to keep us safe. I would change every lightbulb in my house to green to honor all of you because you deserve it. From the bottom of my heart Thank You and God Bless America!�


Any thoughts. I drove around The Villages and saw very few green bulbs honoring our veterans. Was this a task that was too much to ask?

I disagree with the idea that Americans are becoming less patriotic. There are some of us who feel the green light idea was cooked up by Walmart, who happened to be selling green light bulbs.

We don't have to fall right into every idea that comes down the pike to show our patriotism. My husband is a Vietnam veteran and is very leery of these off-the-cuff, express-your-patriotism "gimmicks." We fly our flag and decorate the yard with flags on the designated holidays. Some of us just live our patriotism quietly. Because we didn't run out to wherever and buy a green light does not mean we have become less patriotic.

in my humble opinion from this retired Navy vet you only have to drive around the villages on Vet's day to see all the flags honoring our vets and the ceremony's in The Villages to know patriotism is not declining. The Walmart green light was a total gimmick.

How can something that costs 98 cents count as a gimmick. We put our light out.

:agree:Well said.

Was everybody asked, did some not get the message?
How did people in TV get the message about a green bulb?

Gimmick or not, I did it. I would rather err on the side of patriotism. The lamp in my window still lights green at night.

Lighting a green bulb and criticizing those that don't hardly stirs patriotism.

I did it as well. And when shopping I might add there was not a green bulb to be found at Lowes, Home depot, Publix, Walmart or Ace hardware.

Supply and demand?
Effective communication?

We fly the flag 24/7. We place flags all along the property on appropriate designated days.

I never thought that anybody who did not was unpatriotic.

Sorta like who decorates for Christmas and who does not.

To each his own.

I am a Viet Nam Vet so I wanted to display a green light but I could not find a green light with a candelabra base for my lamp post of carriage lights. I do agree with Navy that the flags on display on Veteran's Day are enough for me to feel appreciated.

I'm a veteran. Could care less about a stupid green light bulb. Question my patriotism and we'll be stepping outside. Don't let it bother you, I don't.

Patriotism
 

All you have to do is see all of the flags on holidays and you know that The Villages is probably the most patriotic town in the country. I am retired Navy and I really appreciate the actions of my neighbors.

I don't see it as making myself feel good about me. I see it as any opportunity I have to show my support I'm going to do it. I don't see any reason for you to assume that putting in a green light is the only thing I do.

Found mine on a end cap display at walmart for 98 cents. No problem to do it. Doesn't bother me if others don't.

I celebrate Veterans Day by proudly displaying an American flag to recognize and honor all who have sacrificed so we may enjoy our freedoms. I celebrate Veterans Day by watching and participating in parades as a celebration and reenactment of our soldiers returning home after the war. I celebrate Veterans Day by buying poppies which are a somber reminder of Flanders field and those still buried overseas. All these symbols are deeply rooted in tradition and have special meanings. So now apparently the above is no longer enough to show your patriotism and appreciation for veterans. Now you're supposed to display a green light which, in my mind, has so particular significance in history and is redundant. When looking at the web pages, it's pretty obvious this is more about sales for wal-mart that taking care of veterans. If you chose to display a green light, I know you are a true American and love your country as much as life itself. I hope you think the same of me if I chose to stick with honoring our veterans in the traditional manner. Best Regards-Ski