With talks of globalization and the disintegration of national borders, the concept of patriotism can seem out of place, perhaps outmoded or anachronistic or even jingoistic. After all, what difference is there between an American and a citizen of any other country?

Yet, without a doubt, the United States of America is unique. How is it that in a few short years, a backwoods collection of states, largely unimportant, became a world power, whose very name conjures thoughts of freedom, prosperity and happiness? What is it about America that makes it the center of attention for the entire globe?

First, it was the circumstances surrounding the founding of America that sets her apart from others.

Among Charles Darwin’s ideas, was the notion that progression, or evolution was propelled by random mutations. History uses a different mechanism. Premeditated, concerted disobedience (civil and not) effects change and advancement among nations. It follows that the birth of many countries, America included, was founded in conflict and uprising.

Many countries have had revolutions. In France, for example, in 1789, oppressed peasants, calling themselves “Jacques”, showed just what violent, unchecked butchery the common man was capable. History records that, as the word “revolution” implies a complete rotation, so too, the French Jacques became the very unethical tyrants of the regime they had overthrown. After the storming of the Bastille, the rebels began beheading with complete abandon, executing upwards of 40,000 people. Brilliant scholars and scientists, such as Antoine Lavoisier, the father of modern chemistry, were slain in the frenzied, savage rampage. That botched revolution plunged France into a seventy-five year quagmire of failed governments and lawlessness.

The American Revolution stands in stark juxtaposition to that of the French. In the new world, no bloodlust ran unfettered. No brutal barbarisms were committed. No privileged ruling class emerged. In the end, checks and limitations were self-imposed both personally and collectively. The virtuous restraint displayed by those Founding Fathers laid the firm framework for this country.

Washington, in particular, epitomized these values. As a commander and chief of the colonial armies, George Washington enjoyed unprecedented popularity among, and influence over, his troops and the citizenry. It was Lord Acton who stated, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Many might have concluded that General Washington, in his advantageous situation, would profit from it. At the end of the war, however, General George Washington relinquished his command back to the Continental Congress. England’s George III, after hearing rumors that Washington would do this, commented, “If he does, he will be the greatest man in the world.” Surely the Founding Fathers were some of the greatest men to have ever lived.

Those brave men and women created an America that embodies a distinct amalgam of characteristics and traits; a rare confluence of ideals and principles — freedom, individuality, family, charity, opportunity, hard work, responsibility, merit, fairness and equality. Uniquely in America, one’s character and capabilities are more important than one’s ancestry.

It was because of what America stands for, that 100,000 of her soldiers bravely fought, suffering 26,000 casualties, on the small island of Iwo Jima during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. A record 27 marines were later decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration, for valor during that battle.

It was because of America that hundreds of New York City Firefighters willingly risked, and lost, their lives rushing up the smoke-choked stairwells of the twin towers in an effort to save those trapped above.

It was because of America that upon learning the other hijacked planes had been used as missiles to terrorize America, a group of passengers on Flight 93 stood up, and with the cry of “let’s roll”, overwhelmed their abductors and downed the plane.

And though they seem to have forgotten, it is because of America that much of the world enjoys freedom today.

Secondly, great, moral citizens alone do not make a country glorious. There remains another half of the equation– He to whom those men and women are moral.

Above the Great Seal of the United States are the Latin words Annuit Coeptis, meaning “He (God) has favored our undertakings.” Indeed He has. No other nation has grown to prominence so quickly in all of recorded history. America is the world’s superpower in nearly all arenas: economically, technologically, and scientifically. This has not gone without notice abroad. Since her birth over two hundred years ago, immigrants have flooded her ports seeking entrance.

Francis Scott Key was the grandson of one such immigrant. He witnessed the bombarding of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. That bombardment became a turning point of the War as American forces repelled a heavy unified land and sea attack by the British. For three days and nights, three thousand American solders held off five thousand British troops. Because of their valiant stand, less than 90 days passed before the British ceased hostilities and signed The Treaty of Ghent, ending the war altogether. Key’s poem, “The Defense of Fort McHenry”, in 1931 become the national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner”.

The first verse of the anthem has become a mainstay at baseball games throughout the country, but in the unsung third verse one finds an important declaration, “And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’” Therein lies America’s power — that this republic was born and upheld on divine footing, and America does not owe allegiance to a king, a committee, or a dynasty. It is at once a humility and an endowment that allows Americans to accomplish great feats in the face of terrible opposition, with the assurance that, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”. With such a blessed foundation, citizens are bound by moral standards and given virtues as goals. The symbiotic mutualism that exists between her good people and Providence has empowered America’s monumental success.

So, perhaps it is jingoism, perhaps its mention unpopular, but I’m still proud to be an American today. America, because of her foundation in God and through the works of great men, is not, nor has she been, like every other country. America is different. America is great.