Patriotic Fun Zone

Patriotism rooted in compassion embraces the idea that love for one’s country transcends borders, races, tribes, abilities, and genders. It celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience while recognizing shared values of freedom, equality, and justice.

This patriotism encourages individuals to accept and uphold national symbols and ideals, fostering a sense of unity among neighbors through mutual respect and understanding.

It emphasizes that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to welcome and integrate people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant community enriched by various perspectives.

Compassionate patriots believe that by embracing differences and working together for the common good, a country can achieve its highest potential and truly embody the principles of democracy and human rights. This approach to patriotism recognizes that a nation’s character evolves, adapting to new ideas and experiences from its varied citizenry, ultimately creating a more resilient society.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Galatians 5:14 (ESV)

Significant patriotic contributions to the United States through military service:

Buffalo Soldiers

• African-American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War
• Helped expand the nation westward for over 20 years
• Fought in over 125 engagements with Native American tribes
• Assisted in controlling outlaws and protecting settlers
• 18 Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor between 1866 and 1898
• Fought in the Spanish-American War, including the famous charge up San Juan Hill

Navajo Code Talkers

• Native American Marines who developed and used a code based on their indigenous language during World War II
• Their unbreakable code helped the U.S. win across the Pacific front from 1942 to 1945
• Transmitted over 800 error-free messages during the Battle of Iwo Jima alone5
• Played a crucial role in major battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa
• Their code was never broken by the enemy

Asian Americans

• Asian Americans have fought for the United States since the American Revolutionary War.
• They served in both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War
• Served in the U.S. military since the War of 1812
• Made significant contributions during World War II, including Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Korean Americans
• Continued to serve in integrated forces after 1948 desegregation
• Received Medals of Honor for service in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts

Other Native American Code Talkers

• Hopi Code Talkers served in the Pacific theater
• Comanche and Meskwaki Code Talkers served in Europe and North Africa
• Code Talkers from various tribes served across the globe during World War II

Latino and Mexican Americans have made significant contributions to the U.S. military throughout history:

• Between 400,000 and 500,000 Hispanic Americans served in World War II1.
• The 158th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Bushmasters,” included many Mexican-Americans and Native Americans. General Douglas MacArthur praised them as “the greatest fighting combat team ever deployed in battle”1.
• Thirteen Medals of Honor were awarded to Hispanic soldiers for their bravery during World War II.
• During the Spanish-American War, thousands of Latino volunteers joined the “Rough Riders,” led by Col. Theodore Roosevelt, forming one of the most racially diverse battle units in the Army1.
• In the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, known as the “Borinqueneers,” earned over 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, and one Medal of Honor.
• Staff Sergeant Marcario García, a Mexican national, became the first to receive the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman in 1945 for his heroic actions in World War II.
• Joe P. Martinez, drafted at 21, led several successful assaults against Japanese forces in Alaska and became the first Hispanic American to receive the Medal of Honor1 posthumously.
• PFC Guy Gabaldon, a Mexican-American Marine, captured 1,500 Japanese soldiers on Saipan, earning him the nickname “Pied Piper of Saipan.”
• Gen. Richard Cavazos, a Mexican American, became the first Hispanic 4-star Army general and was recently honored with the redesignation of Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos.

59 soldiers of Hispanic descent have earned Medals of Honor since the Civil War, demonstrating their bravery and dedication in defending the nation.

These groups demonstrated exceptional patriotism through their military service, often in the face of discrimination and challenges at home. Their contributions were crucial to American military successes and helped advance civil rights and recognition for their communities.