Patriotism is not a dirty word

This commentary is by Shawn Tester, the chief executive officer of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.A few months ago, rummaging through some old memorabilia, I came across a large bronze commemorative medallion my grandfather gave me during our nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. I was only 5 years old at the time, but I still remember the exuberance and pride that seemed to fill every corner of our community — flags waving from front porches, parades winding through to