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Health & Fitness

How the U.S. Passport Made Me More Patriotic

Amidst the seemingly never-ending news cycle of economic woe and Congressional buffoonery, there still exist a myriad of things that can make us proud to be Americans.

Case in point: the United States Passport.

Our passports have existed in some form or another here since the Revolutionary War starting back in 1775. Two hundred thirty-eight years later, after a six week wait, I received my latest passport renewal in the mail. Awesomeness! I was a little worried they wouldn’t accept my ‘selfie’ picture, but I’d followed the photo guidelines, so everything was copacetic. So I glanced at my picture (groan, but oh well) and personal data and thought, “OK, New Zealand here I come!” But then I looked a bit closer and actually ended up reading the little blue booklet cover to cover. I was astonished. The historical quotations and sentiments speckled throughout resonated. In fact, they brought a wee tear to me eye, and I’m not making that up. I’d experienced a patriotic moment, and it felt good.

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The wording makes you “feel” like an American: “The Secretary of State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection.” In other words, “I’ve got your back, son.”

And, amazingly, I’m able to push aside my innate cynicism and believe that it’s true.

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