Art has been used throughout history to identify what's important to the people. Frequently, art is used to represent and memorialize our greatest accomplishments, trials, and beliefs. In no other form of art is does this sentiment ring as true as it does in patriotic art. Patriotic art embodies the trials and triumphs of our country and what it meant to the people of that time, as well as effecting how we view those events from a modern standpoint.
Although patriotic art has always been popular with people with military service backgrounds and history enthusiasts, the modern trend of patriotic themes in art and other creative ventures is largely a result of one of the most tragic and dire events that has ever occurred on our soil, 9-11. After 9-11 people were shocked and horrified. Images of hope such as the photograph, 'The Firefighters at Ground Zero', and 'Bless America's Heroes' by Bonnie Mohr not only helped to affirm our common identity as Americans but helped people to deal with the crisis facing our nation.
Tragic subjects such as the Civil War, Vietnam War, and World War II are also addressed through patriotic art. Subjects of national pride and change are also highly popular, detailing the Emancipation Proclamation, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution in inspirational and creative ways.
These works serve as reminders for the people of the United States. They remind us of the morals that our nation was built on, that this country was made for the purpose of inspiring greatness in the common man. They remind us of the men and women that currently safeguard our freedom. Patriotic works serve to remind the people of our country that despite the differences in class, race, opinion, and religion, that there is one thing that doesn't change.
