Examines the concept of patriotism, its many symbols, and how Americans, past and present, have proven themselves to be patriots.

"A stirring poetic tribute to the beauty and wonder of America's symbols, history, landscape"--

Explains the virtue of patriotism, or being proud of your country, and describes ways to show patriotism at home, at school, and in the community

"Running water. Electricity. Antibiotics. Dentistry. Air conditioning. Democracy. The rule of law. Such things are not only remarkably new inventions in human history, they are all alien to humanity's natural habitat. Here is what is natural: poverty, hunger, violence, tribal hatred, and an early death. If the Garden of Eden existed, it was a slum. Only once in the last 250,000 years did humans lift themselves out of their natural environment of poverty....

Examines patriotic holidays in America, including national holidays such as Independence Day, regional celebrations such as Cheyenne Frontier Days, military holidays, and those associated with individuals.

At a moment of crisis over our national identity, journalist Dan Rather reflects on what it means to be an American. He reminds us of the principles upon which the United States was founded. Looking at the freedoms that define us, from the vote to the press; the values that have transformed us, from empathy to inclusion to service; the institutions that sustain us, such as public education; and the traits that helped form our young country, such as...