What does the word “country” mean to each of us? It is more than the physical boundaries of seas, coasts, and mountains. It means more than a stretch of land. It is more than the proud throbbing of our hearts when the national anthem is played and the national colors pass by.

It is our pride in our past, our enjoyment of the present, our hopes for the future. The past is linked with our heroes and great men, with our customs and traditions. Our country is the land “where our fathers died,” and it is the land where we ourselves will be buried. We love it because every stone or tree or hill in it has a history or is connected with something we remember with pleasure.

Love of country–what it is made of? It is knowledge of everything important and interesting about our country and our people. It is knowing its past and taking pride in its achievements. It is doing our duties as citizens of the present. It is readiness to serve our neighbors; it is eager, practical citizenship now. And, also, it is helping our country progress so that our children will be happy living in it in the future. It is faith in our ability to make its future brighter. It is hope for the next generation.

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