The American patriots of today continue the tradition of the

The words of John Linder—“The American patriots of today continue the tradition of the long line of patriots before them, by helping to promote liberty and freedom around the world.”—ring like the echo of a torch passed from generation to generation. In them is the recognition that patriotism is not a static feeling, but a living tradition, woven into the deeds of those who dare to defend freedom in their time. Linder reminds us that the courage of the present is bound to the sacrifices of the past, and that the patriots of today stand in a lineage that reaches back to the birth of the Republic itself.

At the heart of this declaration is the idea of continuity. The American Revolution was not merely an event of muskets and declarations—it was the planting of a tree whose roots would spread through centuries. The patriots of 1776 fought to secure liberty for themselves, but they also set an example for generations yet unborn. Every soldier, every activist, every citizen who lifts their hand to defend freedom continues this long line of patriots, proving that liberty is not the possession of one age, but the responsibility of all.

History is filled with examples of this continuity. Consider the soldiers of World War II, who carried the banner of freedom across the seas to confront tyranny in Europe and the Pacific. They saw themselves as heirs of the Founders, guardians of the same liberty that had been defended at Lexington and Yorktown. In their sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy or in the skies above the Pacific, we see the thread of Linder’s words: the tradition of patriotism reborn in each generation, proving itself through action, not mere remembrance.

But it is not only soldiers who bear this torch. The civil rights movement in America was itself an act of patriotism, carried out by men and women who believed that liberty must be extended to all, not only a privileged few. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and countless unnamed heroes stood in the same lineage as Washington and Jefferson, demanding that America live up to its promise. In their struggle, they too promoted freedom—not only within the nation, but as an example to the world. Their voices joined the chorus of patriots before them, proving that patriotism is not blind pride, but relentless striving toward justice.

The ancients, too, would recognize this truth. The Greeks honored those who defended their city-states not merely for one generation, but as examples for all time. Rome spoke of mos maiorum, the “way of the ancestors,” reminding every citizen that the greatness of the present rests upon the sacrifices of the past. So too Linder’s words teach us: every generation of patriots inherits the duty to advance liberty, not only within their borders, but as a light for others in darkness.

The lesson for us is powerful: to be a patriot is not simply to cherish what has been handed down, but to add to it, to strengthen it, and to pass it on. Freedom is not a monument that stands forever on its own; it is a flame that must be guarded and fed, or it will fade. The patriots of today are not only soldiers in uniform, but also citizens who defend justice, workers who strive with integrity, teachers who plant knowledge, and leaders who govern with humility.

In daily life, this means asking ourselves: how do we contribute to the tradition of liberty? Do we stand up when we see injustice? Do we defend the rights of others as fiercely as our own? Do we live in a way that strengthens our community and inspires the next generation? Every small act of courage and service becomes part of the great chain, linking us to those who came before and to those who will follow after.

Thus let John Linder’s words resound: the patriots of today continue the tradition of the long line of patriots before them. Let us, then, be worthy heirs of this lineage—not only waving the flag, but bearing its meaning into action. For liberty and freedom are not secured once and for all; they must be renewed with each generation. And if we are faithful, our children will look back upon us as patriots too, who carried the torch in our time and did not let it fall.