Patriotism through volunteerism

Jenna Lanham

As I celebrated Independence Day with my family this weekend, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to be patriotic.

Patriotism is the feeling of love and devotion to one’s country, but I wonder how we might notice patriotism in our everyday lives, right here in our community. Activities like voting in local elections, serving jury duty at the Putnam County Courthouse and supporting local veterans and service members all come to mind right away.

More than that though, I think that there is a common thread in these patriotic pursuits: service to others.

Volunteers make an often immeasurable impact in the lives of others, usually within their own communities. Here in Putnam County, there are dozens of nonprofit and charitable organizations which thrive with the support of volunteers who share their time and expertise to support a specific cause close to home.

Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the needs and issues facing our communities. According to research from AmeriCorps, more than 1.8 million Hoosiers volunteered an estimated 166.5 million hours of service worth roughly $4 billion over the last 15 years.

Veterans advocate, philanthropist and former Miss America Heather French Henry said, “Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”

As a board member for the Putnam County Community Foundation, I am privileged to hear about the countless ways in which our community’s nonprofits are impacting our neighbors who need their support the most. The Community Foundation is committed to strengthening community right here in Putnam County and seeks to empower local philanthropic causes by providing financial support and leadership and building community awareness.

These causes and organizations can’t do their good work without the support of volunteers, sharing their love of their community – their patriotism – by giving back.

So, while you are celebrating our country’s independence during the month of July, I encourage you to share your patriotism with others by volunteering your time with one of the many noble causes which support Putnam County. It’s the patriotic thing to do.