A few days ago, we celebrated our national anniversary in Peru. It’s a day to remember the heroes and the immense legion of anonymous patriots who consolidated our independence. It’s also worth remembering that throughout our republican history, we’ve faced armed conflicts, and in those moments, many patriots have emerged who have defended our country, even giving their lives.

In this regard, as you know, we have four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These are called cardinal virtues because, as Wikipedia indicates, the word comes from the Latin “cardo,” which means hinge; indicating that the cardinal virtues are the axis around which all the other virtues revolve.

On this occasion, I wish to address the cardinal virtue of Justice, because I believe it is interconnected with the virtue of patriotism. Therefore, I would like to begin with the renowned definition of Justice by the Roman jurist Domitius Ulpian: “Justice is the constant and perpetual will to give to each one his due,” that is, “to give to each one what is due to them.”

In that sense, you and I don’t need a war to defend Peru and demonstrate our love for our country. Therefore, I’m sharing some simple, everyday things we can do to demonstrate our patriotism.

Let us bear witness to our love for Peru, always giving thanks for having been born in this land.

Let us defend the fundamental rights and values of our society (the right to life, the value of family, and saying no to corruption in any form, regardless of whether it is between private entities or public-private partnerships).

Let’s help build a better Peru by fulfilling our duties, such as paying taxes, obeying all laws, setting aside the famous “criollada” (criollada), respecting traffic signs, etc.

Regarding these three points mentioned above, and taking as a reference the slogan of our Nationalist Party (PNP), which is: GOD, COUNTRY, and LAW. I propose that the slogan of the new patriots be: GOD, COUNTRY, and BUILDING a better, greater, and more united PERU.

Attached are two phrases associated with patriotism, relevant to this article and slogan.

“Our nation is enriched by each of its citizens.”

“Homeland is a feeling that knows no borders”

What do you say? You’re joining the group of new patriots, who, through simple, everyday actions, will demonstrate that we love, defend, and build a better, greater, and more united PERU… Come on! It’s possible. It’s just a matter of practicing, practicing, and practicing these habits to incorporate the virtue of patriotism into our DNA. So, go for it.

Keep rowing against the current!