“Patriotism means freedom, to be able to choose. The right to make decisions for yourself, good and bad. It also means respecting other peoples’ decisions.” — Stan Hobbes, 65, North Bend, with grandson Kai Belanger, 4, Coos Bay

“Patriotism means standing up for each other. Always. In uniform or out. Standing up for everyone’s rights. We don’t question our government enough. We don’t question our government in any level, city, county, state, federal. It’s our government.” — Marion Ramsey, 72, Coos Bay

“Showing pride in your country.” — Jill Stroud, Salt Lake City, Utah

“It could be as simple as flying a flag in your yard. Or supporting the troops even if you don’t support the war.” — Kim Stroud, Salt Lake City, Utah

“Our Founding Fathers put a pretty good framework together, with freedom of religion and freedom of the press. It’s a wonderful nation, but I think we are on a bad path, Christian-wise. I think our freedoms are wonderful, but I think we can see the unlawful nature between our laws and God’s laws. I think we are in a searching period where we need to stand up to what is wrong and have more oversight.” — John Szabados, 45, Coos Bay

“You have to believe that our Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence on biblical principles. ... It’s hard to be patriotic if you don’t believe in anything and you need to believe that this is the greatest nation on Earth since its creation. It’s Americans that set nations free, and it’s only through the blood of this country’s young men. Countries that aspire to be democratic, they look to our democracy.” — Pat Balfe, 66, Coos Bay

“My dad fought in World War II and Korea, and my nephew is fighting now as a Marine. Patriotism means giving them our support while they are fighting for our freedom.” — Carol Luker, Bandon

“Patriotism means standing up for what you believe in. It means protecting our country and to honor our flag. It means abiding by our country’s past and our history and also its future. It just means loving your country and loving its freedoms and loving those who fight for it. This time of year, I think about our veterans, past and present, and think about the sacrifices they’ve made overseas and even here on our soil.” — Sarah Alonzo, 33, Coos Bay

“Being a patriot for your own country. Showing honor  to those who have already been there. Representing something that they believe in. To their fullest. That’s what it means to me.” — Freddie Alonzo, 37, Coos Bay

“Believing in your country no matter what and fighting for what you believe in and definitely supporting your troops in this time.” — Matt Nelson, 27, Coquille, former U.S. Army engineer

“It means a whole bunch of things to me. ... Everything that we’ve worked for, everything we’ve endured. It’s a whole bunch of things that are all wrapped up in one.” — Ashley Faulkner, 21, of Coos Bay

“It means service above yourself. It means a willingness to love your neighbor as yourself. To be willing to die for your country so that others might be free from the tyranny of oppression and abuse in their country. I’m honored to be a citizen of a country that would give its life for the lives of others.” —

the Rev. Charlotte Barrett, 60, Coos Bay

“Basically, our freedoms. To do what we can for our country. Family, our history.” — Tina Peek, 39, Coos Bay

“I think it means being loyal to your country. Knowing that the freedom that we have is not free. It is something that was purchased by the soldiers who have fought for this country.” — Rick Schanno, 43, Coos Bay

“It means home. It means everything. When you hear your national anthem, it makes you cry. It makes you think of how lucky we are to live where we do.” — Cyndi Hansen, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

“It’s just an expression how much you appreciate where you live. It’s about respecting other people’s patriotism.” — Lara Dixon, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

“Being proud of your country.” — Paula Kelly, Eugene

“Following the laws of the country and putting your country above other countries.” — Marion Bauer, Coos Bay