How I learned to be patriotic

The foundation of my patriotism was built and inspired by my grandfather, a World War II veteran who died in May 2012. As a kid, I thought Grandpa had won the war by himself. As a grownup, I realize he had some help. He shared few stories until the last years of his life. By then, he wanted to unload his testimony to history, valor, heartbreak and all.

As a child, you're told to love your country. As an adult, you learn how to love your country. At a local Flag Day celebration, senior veterans pushed their raspy voices full throttle as they sang along to God Bless America and military anthems. Their patriotism had matured over a lifetime, enough for them to harness the beauty in those military marches. A few old-timers were moved to tears as they saluted.

And never have I heard music that simultaneously ached and warmed my soul than when I heard the lone bugler playing Taps at Grandpa's funeral.

The marching beat of "Stars and Stripes Forever" vibrates in my bones. I feel it in the fireworks that spiderweb across the sky. I sense it in my children as they sleep in the backseat on the way home while still holding their little U.S. flags.