Presidential hopefuls discuss patriotism on July 4th

Contenders for the nation's highest office are once again crisscrossing Iowa, the state that kicks off presidential voting. Often, they speak of their love of country.

In honor of this Fourth of July weekend, The Des Moines Register asked each of them: How in your life have you best demonstrated patriotism?

DEMOCRATS

Lincoln Chafee

Former governor and U.S. senator from Rhode Island

"Patriots are those who love their country. We have a country that is special — God shed its grace on thee, from sea to shining sea. I have spent three decades in public service because I want to do my small part to keep America strong and beautiful. I am proud of my record on protecting our water, air and land, on defending our constitutional liberties, on voting against the Iraq war, and on supporting programs that help build the middle class. We are fortunate to be Americans. Happy July Fourth!"

Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. secretary of state, former U.S. senator from New York

"I have never felt more patriotic than standing with our first responders in the aftermath of 9/11. The thick smoke made it hard to breathe or see, but the brave rescuers never wavered. They made me so proud to be an American, and inspired me to do everything I could as their senator to support them and rebuild. Tragically, many of our first responders suffered lasting health effects from their service at Ground Zero, and I spent years working with both parties until they got care. They represent America at its best, and they deserve the best from us."

Martin O'Malley

Former governor of Maryland

"We demonstrate patriotism through the care and compassion we show to one another as Americans. In my life, that has taken on the form of service to others — especially the most vulnerable and voiceless among us: the poor, the sick, the homeless, the hungry and the imprisoned. That service has also called me to be present, again and again, when our most courageous and patriotic families have lost a family member who died serving the rest of us."

Jim Webb

Former U.S. senator from Virginia

Editor's note: Webb was a combat Marine in Vietnam, awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals and two Purple Hearts; an assistant secretary of defense; and the secretary of the Navy. His campaign submitted this seal for his response:

REPUBLICANS

Jeb Bush

Former governor of Florida

"The Fourth of July is the perfect time to not only celebrate our independence but to reflect on and thank those defending our freedom today. As governor of Florida, I had the honor of serving as commander in chief of the Florida National Guard. Daily, I was inspired by patriotism and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Whether serving overseas in war or responding to the eight hurricanes that battered the Sunshine State in just 16 months, Florida's national guardsmen exemplified the values of all the men and women who have committed to serving in our armed forces."

Ben Carson

Retired neurosurgeon

"I am humbled before God and before the courage and leadership of our Founding Fathers. These are the touchstones and the guiding light of my faith and patriotic values. Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Nathan Hale; they represent the very essence of patriotism, defined by their selfless duty and service to their countrymen, and the generations that have followed. Long ago, I accepted their baton of service to my fellow man as my calling in life, as a care provider for children and as an advocate for the principles of our Constitution."

Chris Christie

Governor of New Jersey

"The brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform have courageously and selflessly served to uphold the democratic principles that as Americans we hold so dear. At the same time, we must remember the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and did not come home. I am honored to be governor of a state with so many heroic and honorable men and women who have served with distinction. We are forever grateful for their service, today and every day."

Ted Cruz

U.S. senator from Texas

"My father came to America from Cuba in 1957. He had little money, and spoke little English. My Irish-Italian mother was the daughter of working-class parents. Both my parents worked hard. In a single generation, their son became a United States senator, and now I am running for president. That could only happen in America. These stories demonstrate how America is the land of limitless opportunity. I ask myself, 'What have I done today to ensure that same opportunity exists for future generations?' We're an exceptional nation, and it is up to each of us to keep it that way."

Carly Fiorina

Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard

"Ours was intended to be a citizen government, so when citizens volunteer our time and talent to make our country, our government and our politics better, we exhibit patriotism. I have continued to make this a priority, acting as a volunteer chair of two large charities dedicated to improving our communities. I have volunteered my time to help good candidates run for political office — and I have even volunteered more directly to improve our government, serving as an adviser for the departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security as well as for the CIA and (National Security Agency)."

Lindsey Graham

U.S. senator from South Carolina

"I was honored to be an Air Force officer serving on active duty, in the Guard, and in the Reserves for 33 years. Being part of a military unit that is focused on the mission and not on individual differences was a great inspiration and taught me what true patriotism is all about."

Mike Huckabee

Former governor of Arkansas

"When I was asked how I demonstrate patriotism, I considered all the ways I try to convey my love and gratitude for this truly exceptional nation, where a poor kid from Arkansas can someday become governor. But then I remembered JFK: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.' And I realized that what perfectly demonstrates pure, selfless patriotism are those who love this country so much they offer their lives to preserve its freedoms and opportunities for us all: the heroic men and women of the United States military. "

Bobby Jindal

Governor of Louisiana

"My parents came to chase the American dream and they caught it, they've lived it. I simply want my children and one day my grandchildren to be able to live that same American dream. I want all of our children to have those opportunities, so I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities that America has afforded my family. I want those opportunities to continue. One of the ways I can show my gratitude for what this country has done for me is fight with everything I've got to make sure those opportunities continue to exist for the next generation."

John Kasich

Governor of Ohio

"Patriotism means you don't take a pass on dealing with problems where you live. Far too many officials fear taking on big challenges, and as a result, nothing gets done and problems worsen. Throughout my public career both in Congress and as governor, I have taken on the challenges of the day in the belief that big ideas drive success and generate excitement. Are they risky? Do they aggravate some people? Sometimes. But, if you're not doing that, you're not doing your job, and a strong agenda of ideas is not only what people want — it's what our nation needs."

Rick Perry

Former governor of Texas

"Patriots put their country first, alongside faith and family. I had the honor of wearing America's uniform, defending freedom as an Air Force officer and aircraft commander. I inherited my love and sense of duty for my country from my father, a WWII B-17 tail gunner. Patriots work 365 days a year, not just on July 4. Providing for our heroes and their families is a sacred duty I take extreme pride in executing. As governor, we took important steps to expand our commitment to our nation's heroes. As commander in chief, it would remain one of my highest priorities."

Marco Rubio

U.S. senator from Florida

"One way I exercise patriotism is by teaching my kids what America means to me on a personal level. In school and from our entertainment culture, children rarely receive a meaningful explanation of the principles and ideals that set America apart from every other nation. I teach my children that they, like me, owe a debt to America, for it is the nation that changed our family's history. I believe these conversations are important, for if our children believe America is just an ordinary country, they will not be willing to go to extraordinary lengths to extend her promise."

Rand Paul

U.S. senator from Kentucky

"To me, patriotism means giving back to your community. Whether it is volunteering at the local food shelter, tutoring struggling students, singing in the church choir, or the most selfless act of all, serving in our military to protect our nation and our American values. As a physician, I have an obligation to help those in need. I am honored to have the opportunity to perform free sight-restoring eye surgeries for lower-income families in my home state. There is nothing more rewarding than using my skills as an ophthalmologist to give back — to find the problem and diagnose the solution."

Rick Santorum

Former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania

"The moment in my life I gave the most for my country was not when I ran for Congress, not when I ran for the Senate, and not when I decided to run for president. The moment I most committed myself to my country was the day my son Daniel came to me and said he wanted to join the Air Force. I cannot give more to my country than one of my own."

Donald Trump

Businessman

"Our country has a sacred duty to care for veterans and their families. One of the greatest gifts of my success is being able to honor veterans. I sit on the board of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which helps find jobs for veterans. One of my proudest accomplishments: In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of World War II, only 100 spectators watched New York City's parade. It was an insult. I agreed to lead a second parade that year. I made a $1 million matching donation to finance the parade. Over 1.4 million watched; more than 25,000 veterans participated."

Scott Walker

Governor of Wisconsin

"My family lived in Plainfield, Iowa, from 1970 to 1977. Right around the time of our nation's bicentennial, I noticed that there was no state flag at our City Hall. That inspired me and my brother to go around town with an old mayonnaise jar and collect enough money to purchase an Iowa flag to fly at City Hall. My mom still has a picture of my brother David and me holding the flag, with smiles on our faces."

Editor's note: Campaigns for George Pataki and Bernie Sanders either declined to provide a statement or did not respond to requests to do so. Candidates were asked to submit statements of 100 words or fewer. Longer responses were edited to that length.