Proud to be an American

With a membership of military veterans that takes deep pride in the U.S. flag and all it means, The American Legion has always advocated for patriotism, morality and citizenship with its third pillar, Americanism. Americanism is The American Legion’s devotion to law and order, the raising of wholesome youth, respectful observance of patriotic holidays and remembrances, education and law-abiding citizenship.

With its “Proud to be an American” award, the Department of Colorado is ensuring Americanism is alive and active by recognizing individuals, schools and towns who “demonstrate patriotism to the principles, rights and privileges that are inherent to all of us as American citizens,” said Bill Baldaccini, a member of Post 161 in Littleton, Colo., and a member of the department’s Americanism Council. “The award is our way of promoting Americanism, and we want the growing generations to understand that this is an exceptional country, we have a rich heritage to be proud of, and as Americans we should be proud to be an American.”

The “Proud to be an American” award was first initiated and given in 2010, when a 17-year-old high school student mounted two American flags on the back of his truck and was told by a school official that the school had a diversity policy and the flags had to be removed. The student’s father notified the school principal who advised that no policy was in place. After an investigation, the school official enforcing the diversity policy spoke on her own behalf. The principal wrote an apology to the student and encouraged him to fly the American flag from his truck.  

“The award encourages post to reach out into the community and find people, like this young student, who are living and performing exceptional patriotic activities during a time when anti-American sentiments have crept into our country,” Baldaccini said. “It’s a way for posts to say, ‘We are proud of you, we want to ignite patriotism, and we are encouraging it.’”

The “Proud to be an American” award has been earned 18 times over the past several years by individuals who proudly fly the American flag, and by schools and towns that honor veterans with programs. For example, last year the city of Aurora earned the award due to its “Yearly Salute to Veterans” event; those involved with the event were recognized by the department during a special ceremony. 

“This award is good for The American Legion and the community because we are actively promoting Americanism and letting people know we are proud of them,” Baldaccini said.