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MIDDLETOWN — What does it mean to be a patriot?

Is it standing and reciting the pledge? Is it waving a flag or wearing a flag pin on your lapel? Or is it placing your right hand over your heart each time the national anthem plays?

Questions about patriotism have only intensified after Sept. 11 and the Iraq War, and the issue probably will continue to be a focal point of this year's presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.

As people across the nation celebrate Independence Day today with parades on Main Street, back-yard barbecues and fireworks displays, the Journal posed the question to local residents: What does patriotism mean to you?

Veterans, such as 63-year-old John Lovely, who served as a Marine during the Vietnam War, often have a very tangible definition.

"Patriotism is serving your country," said Lovely, who serves as the commander for the American Legion hall on Main Street. "Veterans made the United States what it is now."

Many other residents agreed that the heart of patriotism, and the Fourth of July, is service, or at least remembering those who did serve.

"It's celebrating the freedoms that somebody else once gave to us," said Ashleigh Lay.

Era Fuller, 78, also believes in the importance of commemorating soldiers, including her deceased husband who fought in World War II.

"I have the flag hanging in honor of my husband and all the dead who fought in any war," she said.

For Duane Gordon, the 33-year-old executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation, patriotism starts at home.

"There are certain characteristics of every community that make it its own," Gordon said. "Patriotism is, in part, not only acceptance, but having pride in those characteristics."

One Middletown student shows her patriotism through T-shirts for herself — and her dog.

"It's little stuff like that," said 16-year-old Alicia Bray. Her family also takes time during the holiday to memorialize those who have sacrificed their lives.

Other residents said they think of patriotism in more basic terms.

"It's just being able to celebrate being a citizen of this country," said Rich Pfefferle, 24. "Being able to enjoy all the freedoms we have."

Nicole Vitali, 24, of Ft. Meyers, Fla., who was in town visiting friends, said patriotism was partially about loyalty to the country, but added it incorporated more, such as "being kind to your fellow Americans."

While patriotism continues to be a political topic in the presidential campaigns, Jon Ellen, a 19-year-old student at Miami University Middletown, said, "Regardless of political stance, (Independence Day) is a time when you can all come together and have faith in your country."

Contact this reporter at jthompson@coxohio.com.