Patricia Pittman’s patriotism easy to spot

Published or Revised October 21, 2005

Saying Patricia Pittman is patriotic doesn't do justice to her deep passion for her country. The familiar phrase, "she bleeds red, white and blue," best describes Ms. Pittman, who says she has been a very patriotic person as long as she can remember. But the turning point in her passion for her country was the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. "That attack on our country was an awakening," she said. "It hit home, and reminded me that this is my country, and my freedom, and I need to let people know how I feel." And she does. Ms. Pittman always wears her patriotism on her sleeve - or in her hair - or maybe on her legs or feet. Her wardrobe every day of the week will include a combination of red, white and blue. This fact has not gone unnoticed, either. The faculty and student body at Paris Junior College - Greenville Center where she attends college has noticed it. And so do her friends and acquaintances she is around at work and at home. "I noticed right away that this lady loves her country," said instructor Matt White, who teaches Ms. Pittman in his History 1301 class. He said he finds her devotion to her country very heartwarming. "Today, people seem to be ambivalent to patriotism," White said. "It is amazing to find that degree of patriotism in a person today. I think it's great." Ms. Pittman, a mother, college student and an employee at a Greenville convenience store, would have been 28 years old at the time of 9-11. She said her response to the tragic event was that "this is what I can do to stand behind my country." She said she couldn't go to war, but she can proudly "show her colors." She also has red, white and blue decorations in her home. Her sons think it is neat that she shows her patriotism. She said that the fact that she wears red, white and blue most of the time doesn't mean she's not fashion conscience, but some of her friends have questioned that. "They have asked if I wanted them to go help me shop (for clothing)," she said. "I told them I could handle it." The native Texan and Greenville resident who plans to graduate from the Greenville Center in 2006, said the wearing of the "colors" reminds her every day of the rights and freedoms she has as an American. And she added that wearing those colors might remind someone else that they should be proud they are Americans. "I believe people should be patriotic," she said. "It is a privilege to live in the U.S.A. and we should show it. It's the best place in the world."