Strength in American liberties

As it often does, the Princeton a capella group Shere Kahn hosted an arch sing in 1879 arch on Saturday night. The repertoire seemed to be nothing new: five or six songs capped by an audience-participating rendition of "Old Nassau." After the fourth or fifth hip song, however, the group did something different — it sang "America the Beautiful," and the crowd's boisterousness all but disappeared as we watched and listened in reverie. Something was different because we were patriotically responding — both individually and in concert — to the quandary in which we, as Americans, are caught today. The song struck our highest emotions with its suggestions of a wonderful nation, but it also made me wonder what patriotism means in the broader context of American freedoms and where those who do not agree with the government's response fit into this spirit.

In the days after Sept. 11, Princeton publicly displayed its commitment to America and the ideals for which the nation stands. Flags dangled from dorm windows, flickered above 1879 and Henry Halls and flew on Prospect Avenue; our campus community looked to our leading scholars for direction; and the festivities of Freshman Week were interrupted by the voices of Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings as we could do nothing but scour for news. These public displays were a way to cope with the immediacy of the tragedies, but they do not exclusively define what it means to love one's country.

Exhibiting patriotism in times of national crisis is by no means a novel American reaction. In the midst of the War of 1812, Nathaniel Boileau wrote, "Patriotism . . . is the love of our country, a sincere devotion to its interest, and fixed determination to promote . . . the happiness of the society with which we are connected; [it] is one of the noblest passions that can warm and animate the human breast; [it] is the characteristic of a man of honor and a gentleman."

Just as Americans did in 1812, we today celebrate our democratic heritage and salute the founding principles of this great nation with our public demonstrations of allegiance. Nevertheless, these displays are not in and of themselves meaningful national symbols; the flags and songs are our comforts, mechanical responses to threats against our nation. Behind these emblems, however, lies the American zeal that has manifested itself at blood-donation centers, at disaster sites and even at demonstrations against military actions.

Each individual, as well as group, has responded differently, but no less importantly. At Princeton there have been intellectual discussions about the ethical and logistical implications of our new battle; in New York there have been candlelight vigils; and in Washington there have been protest rallies. Almost immediately after the attacks, 'Prince' columnist Adam Frankel '03 astutely argued that Americans must not limit debate in this time. Difference of opinion, like patriotism, has been a hallmark of the American citizenry since the colonial era, and it would be a grave misunderstanding of republican government to rubber stamp every decision that our leaders make. Indeed, debates over the correct course for our nation demonstrate just as much love for America as does the flying of 'Old Glory,' for they truly embody the "fixed determination to promote the happiness of society."

It is unfortunate for the terrorists that America has a legacy of defending its ideals against enemies. As much as I fear another terrorist attack, I fear for the terrorists who commit it, for they have experienced neither the resolve of this nation nor the commitment of its citizens. We will sing our songs and donate our blood. And we will protest our military attacks and debate our viewpoints. And all in all, we will prove to our terrorist enemies that America is indeed beautiful for more than just spacious skies and amber waves of grain, but also for our commitment to freedom in thought and action. Ryan Salvatore is a Wilson School major from Stamford, Conn. He can be reached at salvatre@princeton.edu.