From the film archives: 'Born on the Fourth' true emotional tale - Gainesville Times

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From the film archives: 'Born on the Fourth' true emotional tale

Tom Cruise, right, chats with anti-war activist Ron Kovic on Dec. 3, 2003, in Los Angeles. Cruise portrayed Kovic in the 1989 film, “Born on the Fourth of the July.”

0703-GO-CRUISE — Tom Cruise, right, chats with anti-war activist Ron Kovic on Dec. 3, 2003, in Los Angeles. Cruise portrayed Kovic in the 1989 film, “Born on the Fourth of the July.”

Friday is Independence Day, a time to celebrate everything it means to be American. But what does it mean to be patriotic? Is it unquestionable allegiance, standing up for what you believe or the willingness to fight and die for what you believe in?