Every week, I see the same question burning: How do we honor the traditions that made America great while navigating a world that seems determined to leave them behind?

It’s like trying to fly Old Glory in a hurricane – you know what’s right, but the winds of change sure make it difficult to keep that flag flying proud.

This week, I’m sharing the battle-tested advice that’s helped families just like yours find that balance – without surrendering an inch of what matters most.

What I’ve learned from my daddy’s wisdom, forty years of marriage to my sweet Nancy, and more than a few late nights with nothing but Scripture and bourbon for company, is that there’s a way to stand firm without standing still.

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Dear Patriotic Pete, My 17-year-old son wants to skip college and join the military like his grandfather did. My wife and I saved for his education and worry he’s making a hasty decision. How do we support his patriotism while making sure he’s not closing doors on his future? – Concerned in Columbus

Dear Concerned in Columbus,

Your boy’s got the fire of patriotism burning in his heart, and that ain’t something to snuff out! I remember when my daddy looked at me with worry in his eyes when I talked about skipping college too.

Here’s the truth as I see it: military service builds character faster than four years of keg parties and liberal professors ever could. Our armed forces teach discipline, leadership, and the kind of values that made America great. Plus, the GI Bill means he can still get that education later—paid for by Uncle Sam, not your retirement fund.

That said, I always tell folks to look before they leap. Have him talk to veterans from different branches. Make sure he understands what he’s signing up for—not just the recruitment poster version. Maybe arrange for him to shadow someone who serves in the role he’s interested in.

Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Get him that counsel while respecting his calling.

Your son wants to stand for something bigger than himself. That’s rare these days when too many young folks are looking for handouts instead of giving their hands in service. Be proud of that spirit, even as you guide it.

Pour yourself a finger of bourbon, say a prayer, and trust that the good Lord has a plan for your boy—whether it starts with college or boot camp.

God bless, Patriotic Pete

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Dear Patriotic Pete,

My daughter’s bringing home her boyfriend for Easter. He’s from California, has never shot a gun, and is vegetarian. I want to welcome him properly, but I’m afraid we’ll have nothing in common. Any advice for making this dinner work? – Baffled in Baton Rouge

Dear Baffled in Baton Rouge,

Easter dinner with a California vegetarian? Lord have mercy! But don’t you fret—this is an opportunity wrapped in challenge, just like most good things in life.

First off, remember the true meaning of Easter: it’s about resurrection, new beginnings, and the greatest act of love ever shown. Your table should reflect that same welcoming spirit Christ showed us all.

Now for some practical advice: alongside your honey-glazed ham, whip up some hearty vegetarian sides that’ll satisfy everyone. My wife Nancy makes a sweet potato casserole that could convert a vegan to Southern cooking! Make sure there’s enough substance to his meal so he doesn’t leave hungry.

As for conversation, focus on common ground. Ask about his family, his work, his interests in a genuine way. You might be surprised to find y’all share more values than you think. Maybe he respects hard work and honesty just like you do, even if he expresses it differently.

Consider planning an activity that bridges worlds—maybe after dinner, invite him to help you plant your spring garden. Nothing brings folks together like getting your hands in God’s good earth.

Remember what Jesus taught us about welcoming strangers. This young man might see the world through different eyes, but he’s chosen to love your daughter, and that’s worth something.

And who knows? Maybe by the end of the visit, you might just have him holding a fishing pole or trying a sip of your best bourbon. Not every conversion happens on Sunday morning!

Happy Easter and God bless, Patriotic Pete

P.S. Well, since I brought  it up – Nancy’s been making this casserole for every holiday since we got hitched back in ’91. Won the church potluck contest three years running before she graciously “retired” to give others a chance. This dish has converted more Yankees to Southern cooking than a Billy Graham crusade! Here’s the recipe straight from her recipe box:

Nancy’s Sweet Potato Casserole

“Sweet as salvation and rich as God’s grace!”

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes (about 4-5 large ones), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup butter (the real stuff, not that margarine nonsense), melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup whole milk (2% if you’re watching your figure)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (not that imitation garbage)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Boil those sweet potatoes in a large pot until they’re fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well and return to the pot.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Mash those sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher, but Nancy uses her trusty hand mixer to get them extra fluffy.
4. Add the melted butter, both sugars, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Mix until everything’s combined and smooth as a newborn’s behind.
5. Pour this mixture into your buttered baking dish and smooth it out nice and pretty.
6. In a separate bowl, combine all your topping ingredients. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until it’s crumbly. Nancy says the secret is to not overwork it – you want those butter pieces visible!
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
9. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).

Nancy’s Special Notes:

• Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring to room temperature before baking.
• For extra southern charm, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture.
• For church functions, Nancy adds 1/4 cup of finely crushed corn flakes to the topping for extra crunch.
• If serving to Yankees or California types, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, but why bother? The Lord didn’t create sweet potatoes to be diet food!

I tell you what, this casserole has been the centerpiece of many a family gathering. That vegetarian boyfriend might just forget all about his California ways after one bite! Nancy always says the secret’s in using real butter and not skimping on those pecans.

The dish strikes that perfect balance – sweet enough to satisfy but not so sweet it belongs on the dessert table. Though between you and me, I’ve been known to sneak a cold spoonful from the fridge for breakfast the next morning!

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Dear Patriotic Pete, My wife got promoted and now makes more money than me. I’m proud of her success, but some of my buddies are giving me grief about “wearing the pants” in the family. How do I balance being a traditional man while supporting my wife’s career? – Second Place in Pennsylvania

Dear Second Place in Pennsylvania,

First things first—congratulations to your wife! In these tough economic times, having a spouse who’s climbing the ladder is a blessing, not a curse. Anyone who tells you different has forgotten what marriage is really about.

Now, about those buddies of yours . . . Time for some straight talk: A real man isn’t measured by his paycheck compared to his wife’s. He’s measured by his character, his word, and how he treats his family. Period.

When I married my Nancy, we took vows saying “for better or worse, for richer or poorer.” Notice it doesn’t say “as long as the husband makes more money.” Marriage is a team sport, friend. Sometimes you’re the quarterback, sometimes you’re blocking. Both jobs matter.

In Ephesians, Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—and last I checked, Jesus didn’t get insecure about who was bringing home more denarii!

If those buddies keep jawing, ask ’em this: “Would you rather have less money in your household just to protect your ego?” The silence might be deafening.

Here’s your game plan: Be her biggest cheerleader. Take her out to celebrate her success. And if you’re handling more of the home front as a result, do it with pride. Many a great man has supported his wife’s climb while keeping the home fires burning.

Remember what President Trump always says about winning? Your household IS winning. Act like it.

Proud of you both, Patriotic Pete

Got a question for Patriotic Pete? Send it to [email protected]. Until next time, keep your faith strong, your flag flying, and your heart true!