Through history and its many events, people have lived to see the means of war and conflict between countries. Although they always end in despair and desolation, it is a recurring action that we still contribute to and partake in. But why are people willing to give up so much for their country?

The answer is simple: patriotism, or one’s great pride for their country. As humans who choose one area to settle in and call home, we start to grow connections, memories, and care for these places. In turn, if something bad were to happen to these places that we feel so strongly about, we would take action in order to protect it, sometimes even the most dangerous and daunting ones. This ultimately explains why when wars commence, so many people volunteer as soldiers in the army because they feel the need to act for their country. Even though they know the outcome isn’t pretty and can lead to their death, protecting the place they call “home” is a task that remains of utmost priority and overrides the fear of knowing they’re putting their lives at risk.

While patriotism is an invisible, intangible idea, it is a powerful one which can unite a country under one fighting force and lead them to success.