Patriotism

Patriotism

What is patriotism? Is it serving your country during wartime, or making war on injustice in your hometown? Is it gathering with friends and setting off fireworks, or is patriotism a feeling that transcends words? What is patriotism exactly? Patriotism is loving your country. Patriotism is standing when the national anthem plays. Patriotism is putting your hand on your heart to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Some say it is unpatriotic to oppose the war, but hear me out; say if your kid brings home a bad report card. Are you proud of him? Probably not. But do you still love him? Yes. Loving your family is wanting what's best for them. Loving your country is not just saluting the flag; loving your country is trying to make your country better. Since lately, the issue of patriotism increasingly outdated in many communities in our country at present often dealt. It is because they are busy with their own affairs that led them to ignore other things. In their opinion, the important thing in life is that they should try to find wealth and to find money to increase revenue alone. This is particularly alarming when there are few people who do not care about the national day celebrations. For example, people do not fly the flag of Malaysia's independence anniversary celebrations when the country is run. Plus, people nowadays seen less knowledgeable about the history of the formation of the struggle by the leaders and heroes such as Dato’ Raja Chulan, Dato' Bahaman, Tok Janggut and so on. Therefore, efforts need to be made by many parties in order to inculcate the spirit of patriotism in public life. The question is, what is the role of parents in implementing the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of children? Indeed, there is no denying that parents play a key role in implementing and fostering patriotism in the hearts of children. Parents should always take the children to visit historic places. For example, parents could bring their children to the Historic City of Melaka. There are a variety of goods and historical buildings. This practice can lead and expressed the interest of children to know the background and origins of state formation. Besides, it can create the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of children. Historical places like Lembah Bujang, Seri Menanti, Kota Belanda in Perak can be used as a travel destination. Tours to historic places is like a two-pronged attempts because children can not only gain knowledge, but also to maintain a close relationship between the family. Obviously, visits to historic places can be standard practice whenever the school holidays by parents as a way to implement the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of children.

In addition, parents must also buy books related to history or books novel themed patriotism and love of country spirit to children. This is so because through the process of reading, children can learn many things related to history. History books and novels can help implement the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of the children because those books have patriotism content. It is very clear that the effort of parents to choose appropriate books for children is very important. Therefore, parents should choose books that are high knowledge rather than comic or books that are not helpful. By reading books characterized by patriotism, patriotism can certainly be applied in the souls of children. Practice reading these books to be nurtured since childhood. So that when they grow up, they will always evoke patriotism and love reading. Apart from that, parents should also be a role model or example to children. Parents need to be aware that all acts, behavior, practices, speech and thought they would be followed by children. Therefore, parents should always have a positive attitude to children. For example, parents can fly the flag at home or doing activities that can be shown to support the country. Do not participate in any protest against the state because it will show negative attitude to children. So, parents should always show the best example to children. Parents also can bring and encourage their children to participate in programs such as ‘Larian 1 Malaysia’, talks about the history of the state, or a visit to the National Museum. Parents should make an effort wholeheartedly for children who grew up to be a man who will love and have patriotism to their country. Hence, parents should take the time to talk about the events or stories related to history to children in order to create a patriotic young generation. For example, before the kids went to bed, parents can read stories about fighters for the nation to children like the story of the struggle Datuk Bahaman, Datuk Maharajalela, Mat Kilau, Captain Hasan and others against the English. Parents can also tell their own experience earlier ancestors, how they suffer mistreated and tortured during the colonial period in our country. Children who are wise will definitely be able to compare their lives now than ever before. This can apply patriotism in the hearts of children. Parents can also surf the internet to obtain information needed to tell a story to children. By having the right information, children will get the correct information and after that, the children will always remember the story of history. They will learn something through history and patriotism arose in their souls. Therefore, parents should be constantly looking for opportunities or a chance to tell their own experiences or talk with children about topics oriented country to implement the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of children. In this way, children will try to remember all the stories they had heard, especially about the history of the country. Thus, parents should discharge their responsibilities well to form patriotism in children’s heart.

Lastly, Finally, parents should take their children to participate in national celebrations such as National Day on August 31, Malaysia Day on 16 September and so on. By participating in this celebration of Independence Day, patriotism can be instilled in them. For example, children can come together to hoist the national flag, hear poetry recital and listen to stories about the misery of the fighters to liberate the homeland countries. Children can see for themselves the excitement of celebration at once understand the objective reasons for such a celebration held. The story behind the luxury and peace of the country will be able to be unlocked and should be able to present their inner conviction that many possessions and lives have to be sacrificed in order to see Malaysia bold as it is now. By participating in the activities of this celebration, children will have the opportunity to see the performances of other races and get to know each other. Indirectly, national unity will be achieved and triggered a harmonious society that patriotic.