Cincinnati Enquirer asks: What does being a patriot mean to you?

When Whitney Houston performed the Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV, 10 days after Operation Desert Storm began in 1991, her voice resonated with the 115 million U.S. viewers as a defining moment for an uncertain time.

Patriotism is more easily defined by chills felt when hearing nearly 75,000 football fans chant "U.S.A." after such a performance than words can often express.

The Cincinnati Enquirer, however, would like you to try.

We're asking readers in our Cincinnati melting pot to tell us in 200 words or less, "what does being a patriot mean to you?" We will print some of the submissions online and in the newspaper ahead of the July 4 holiday.

We're interested in all perspectives, backgrounds, demographics and political persuasions. Submit the information to mlaughman@enquirer.com by 5 p.m. Monday, June 27.

Please include your name, community of residence, age, a photo of yourself, one sentence that describes you and your contact information (phone, email, etc.)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer seeks essays on 'What does being a patriot mean?"