In the light of 9/11 and the "War on Terror," Americans have been striving for the opportunities to show that they are patriotic. USA patriotism has seen a sort of revival over the past few years. People have been buying and flying American flags and putting magnets on their cars that show that they support their country. There has been an increase in USA patriotism everywhere that you go. Radio stations have even begun replaying "God Bless America" and other songs that show they too are patriotic.

All of the USA patriotism that has been seen over the past few years has also caused turmoil throughout the country. There are those who do not believe that the government should be sending troops into Iraq and that the war has lost sight of its purpose. There are those who believe that the war has become a "war over oil" rather than a "war against terror" as gas prices have soared to $3.00 per gallon. Amongst the US patriotism revival has also been a political revival. USA patriotism now no longer means that you support your country but that you also support the war. This has caused turmoil in many communities as the families of American soldiers accept the fact that they may never see their soldiers again and as many new recruits are also sent to Iraq to fight.

Despite the turmoil, Americans continue to show their US patriotism and fly their flags. In fact, they continue to buy more symbols that they are patriotic. From signs in their yards to flag magnets on their cars, Americans are showing that they support their country. People want to be seen as Americans despite their religious and ethnic backgrounds. To be American has become more of a belief and idea. It is a feeling that people have and they feel they must show their USA patriotism to prove that they are Americans as well.

There are certain guideposts that the country was founded on. These guideposts are essential if you are to understand what being American is really about. These guideposts are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It does not matter what country you are originally from as the first "Americans" were not from this country but were foreigners themselves. These "Americans" put into writing what it is to be "American." Believing in these documents and following their guidelines are the essentials to real USA patriotism. These documents are the reason that we still live on this continent. These documents are the real flags and magnets of USA patriotism. Real USA patriotism is not necessarily loving one's country, but understanding and knowing how the country came to be. USA patriotism is an idea and a belief, but it does not have to be shown through signage and symbols, it can be shown by being good Christians and following the law and showing respect for your country despite the politics and turmoil. The true USA patriotism revival should be through people understanding and reflecting on the roots and foundation of our country and taking care of our country and our people. You do not have to support the war, nor do you have to fly flags to show your USA patriotism, as many of the first founders of our country did not believe in war either. They just wanted a place where they could live without religious persecution and a place where they could make their own path through the world.