Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself while looking out for your country.
I believe patriotism comes from the heart. Patriotism is voluntary. It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance that is the result of knowledge and belief.
You don't have to be a show-off to be patriotic.
I'm not much at saying patriotic things.
The way to preserve the flag's special role is not to punish those who feel differently about these matters. It is to persuade them that they are wrong.... Our decision is a reaffirmation of the principles of freedom and inclusiveness that the flag best reflects, and of the conviction that our toleration of such criticism [flag-burning] is a sign and source of our strength.
It is really your behaviour that determines whether you're a patriot.
Patriotism is an instant reaction that fades away when the war starts.
My family is patriotic.
Patriotism cannot be instilled inside anybody, it just happens to be there. And it can rise above any notion, any emotion.
An act of atrocious piracy having been committed on one of our trading ships by the inhabitants of a settlement on the west coast of Sumatra, a frigate was dispatched with orders to demand satisfaction for the injury if those who committed it should be found to be members of a regular government, capable of maintaining the usual relations with foreign nations; but if, as it was supposed and as they proved to be, they were a band of lawless pirates, to inflict such a chastisement as would deter them and others from like aggressions. This last was done, and the effect has been an increased respect for our flag in those distant seas and additional security for our commerce.
This is a good historical quotation regarding the dealing with pirates—still a problem.
They bum-rapped me for being a patriot. I'm happy to be a patriot.