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Bigger, Broader Patriotism Arrives In Atlanta

March 26, 2009

Patriotism is evidently on the rise, as the National Museum of Patriotism has moved to a bigger location in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

“We never throw a flag in your face and tell you what a patriot is,” said Pat Stansbury, the museum’s executive director. Indeed, the museum’s new displays work earnestly to extend the range of what is considered to be patriotic. The “Symbols of America” exhibit, for example, has a 25-foot-tall Statue of Liberty torch and a mini Mt. Rushmore — but it also has tributes to Marilyn Monroe, the dollar bill, and Coca-Cola. The “Patriotism in Entertainment” exhibit honors Lee “Proud To Be An American” Greenwood as well as Patti “Lady Marmalade” LaBelle.

Still, this is a place where the stars and stripes are frequently encountered, and traditional patriotic icons such as law enforcement, the military, bald eagles, Uncle Sam, Ronald Reagan, astronauts, and 9/11 are all given some exposure. “We don’t have priceless artifacts,” Pat said. “We celebrate and highlight what’s good and bright about America.”

We asked Pat if the museum had a display on roadside attractions, since they’re just about the most good and bright American thing that we (predictably) can think of. Pat answered no, but she said that the museum does have a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with “the battles of America” painted on its fenders and gas tank.

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