Patriotims 80 Olympics- Now

2 Pages 380 Words

Patriotism is something that can’t be explained it needs to be felt. Patriotism comes from triumph and tragedy. Patriotism is best represented by courage. That courage comes from anger, fear, pride, and accomplishment. The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey teams victory over the soviets, and the terrorist acts that destroyed the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 are both events that pulled our nation together. These events though different created a strong sense of patriotism.

The 1980 victory in Olympic hockey was a much-needed kick-start to our nations feeling of strength in democracy. The underdog hockey team made up of u.s. college kids was up against a professional soviet team. The goal of the nation seemed not to get embarrassed in the Olympics. No one thought these kids would pull off the impossible….win the gold. When the team beat the unbeatable Soviets, the country erupted in celebration. Americans pulled together as any race, any religion, any sex, unite under a common bond. They weren’t black or white or Jewish, they were just Americans. All celebrating as a country. That was an amazing display of patriotism, love for our country. Is it comparable to the feeling in America right now?
On September 11, 2001 our country was about to stop what it was doing and be forced together, to unite as one. It was going to test our democracy, our ideas of freedom, and our young president. But Americans came together instantly. The country stopped everything and prayed and ran to help. Americans risked their life to save others, or just stopped work and prayed, all support was felt. It was a true feeling of patriotism. I knew what patriotism was, but not until that day, did I feel what patriotism is. In ’80 it was a victory, now it is a tragedy, that united the country. The patriotism felt now comes out of courage, but also fear, wonder, and anger. Though the Olympic win was a top moment in this countryâ...