Great Movie Quotes of a Patriotic Nature

When it comes to patriotic movies, the dialogue that sticks with me the most involves characters who point out their country's weaknesses as well as their strengths. When it comes to America, many will say you can love it or leave it, but view becomes unrealistic rather quickly. If you truly love being an American, you will and should fight for the rights every American should have. The quotes from these cinematic characters are a great tribute to that:

"People say that if you don't love America, then get the hell out. Well, I love America." -- Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic in "Born on the Fourth of July"

This quote sums up Ron Kovic perfectly. We see him as a young adult having a great love for his country. He grew up wanting to serve America and did so as a Marine in Vietnam. When he comes back from the war, he is paralyzed and people treat him with contempt. While he begins to question all he believes in though, his love of country never goes away. It simply takes a different form as he becomes an anti-war activist.

"You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men and they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that." -- Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"

I love this particular quote because it is so timeless in its meaning. Even today, many people just don't fully understand what our ancestors gave up to put our country where it is today. Reading about history in a book is not enough because then it becomes about passing a test then learning anything. They need to remember the cost of liberty every day. "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" is over 70 years old, and yet its political impact is still felt deeply to this day.

"I'd like to apologize to the American people. I forgot that I was hired to do a job for you, and it was just a temp job at that. I forgot I had 250 million people who were paying me to make their lives a little bit better, and I didn't live up to my part of the bargain. You see, there are certain things you should expect from your president. I ought to care more about you than I do about me. I ought to care more about what's right than I do about what's popular. I ought to be willing to give up this whole thing for something I believe in. Because if I'm not, then maybe I don't belong here in the first place..." -- Kevin Kline as Dave Kovic/President Bill Mitchell in "Dave"

This climatic speech of Ivan Reitman's terrific comedy has Dave making the most of his last moment doubling for President Mitchell. This is the speech I always want to hear from a politician. How cool would it be to have a President that is so humble? Whatever the case, it is delivered with the upmost sincerity by Kevin Kline and is free from any unwanted schmaltz which would just screw everything up.

Keep these character speeches in mind the next time you find yourself doubting your loyalty to your country.