Webster defines Patriotism as devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country. However, not many people have devoted love about America anymore. The more time goes on, the more each generation takes things for granted. The current generation is very lazy and selfish because they have grown up getting everything handed to them and have never had to work for anything. The same has happened with their love for their country; they have not had to work for it and are now not caring whether or not our nation collapses. Someday, if people don’t start caring about their nation, the United States very well could collapse and it might be on the brink of it this very moment.

            There are many symbols for patriotism but one that has always stuck out and people have always known is the American flag. The first ever United States flag was sewn together by Betsy Ross. She presented it to George Washington in May of 1776.

The Patriotism of the American flag all began in 1776. The British army had taken over Boston and the Continental army was fighting to win her back. The army was under leadership of George Washington who ordered the Grand Union flag to be put up above his base at Prospect Hill. This flag had 13 alternate red and white stripes and a star in the upper left corner. This was the beginning of the American flag.

            Since then, stars have been added many times and today we have fifty, representing the fifty states. So how does the United States flag represent Patriotism? One could think of it from the story of Washington. He loved this nation deeply and risked his life for the freedom of this its future. He flew the flag at his base as a symbol of his patriotism.

            Through the years, the flag has been changed, modified, and even remade. During the Civil War, the Union used the American flag; however, since the Confederates wanted to secede and be a whole new nation, they wanted a complete flag all to themselves. It was then that they designed the Rebel flag that many “rednecks” like to wear on their shirt in this day and time. These Confederates were very passionate about their patriotism of their southern nation.