Patriotism—the love of one’s country—is a natural affection. Saluting the flag is a sign of gratitude, for the freedoms purchased through the sacrifices of others. It’s also a sign of humility; a recognition that we are not atomized vapors but rather that we exist in a context, in a place, and in a culture. When rightly applied, patriotism is akin to what God commands us to do in showing honor to mother and father.
