My American Patriotism Comes Forth

Being born and raised in America is a proud part of my heritage. This article describes an event that happened to me whereby my American patriotism comes forth unexpectedly.

I believe my American patriotism started from being in marching band and playing all the patriotic tunes. I was in 2nd grade when this started. I just loved playing those tunes. I still do, in fact. I was taught the history behind those tunes and their composers. I was taught to say the Pledge of Allegiance daily. I was taught the lyrics to our National Anthem. I sing them proudly to this day. American patriotism is a viable part of me.

It was a hot and blustery summer day. It also happened to be my laundry day. Not yet owning a washer and dryer, I set forth to the local Laundromat.

I entered the Laundromat, washed my clothes, and had just put them into the dryer. I noticed a man talking with a heavy Germany accent standing near me. Having just returned from vacationing in Germany, I struck up a conversation with him.

The conversation was going well. He had mentioned that he was new to the United States. My American patriotism was swelling, so I mentioned what an enjoyable country the U.S. was. I mentioned the diversity of cultures in this country. I then mentioned some highlights of the local area to him. I told him the United States had a lot to offer and he had many options available to him. We made light conversation until - for whatever reason - he changed. His personality changed right in front of my eyes.

This formerly pleasant male suddenly started telling me how Americans kill innocent babies, children, and women for no reason. (I didn't have the courage to mention Hitler.) He started slamming the dryer doors. All the while, he started raising his voice volume. He was emphasizing how Americans shoot anyone they want and that all Americans are trained to kill. Americans are heartless people, he yelled. I felt the defense my American patriotism rising quickly.

I was scared and perplexed at the same time. Yet, I felt my blood surging. You know how you feel your blood pressure rise? That is how I felt. After witnessing and listening to him for only a few minutes, I suddenly found myself talking. Without thinking it through I said, "If you don't like our country, leave. No one if forcing you to stay here." WHAT??!! Did I really say that to a raving maniac? Meek me? Yep. My American patriotism comes forth. I am proud of that. I am even prouder of the fact that I have lived to share this story.

He seemed surprised and backed down so slightly. Yet, he looked really mad. I did not stay around long enough to find out what else he had to stay. Nor did I care. In fact, I grabbed my laundry basket and made a dash for the nearest door. I did not know I could move that fast.

That is the last time I have ever been to a public Laundromat. It is the last time I will ever go into a public Laundromat.

It will not be the last time my American patriotism comes forth.