Perhaps:
1. The Freedoms listed in the Constitution of the United States
2. The basic moral character upon which the nation started, and its public display by such people as US soldiers/ sailors/ marines/ airmen (under the worst conditions of combat, where the choice of giving one's own life to save another's, is demonstrated over and over again).
3. The experiment of a democratic, republican form of representative government which has survived for over 230 years (longer than dictatorships and some monarchies).
4. The multi-ethnic and cultural/heritage diversity of the families who left everything behind (in the 'old country') coming to the United States to provide - working together to build a community and better lives for their families.
5. The generosity of those who have succeeded in making those better lives, giving to other nations around the world, who are in need.

The list has more...

We arent that patriotic I don't do the pleage I have never had a flag I am american

Americans have little knowledge about the world at large,they are by nature very insular. I feel they fly the flag almost everywhere to remind their self"s, It's okay, Yes, you are still in America..

America is not how it used to be. I am patriotic and I stand every time I see the flag. So does the soldiers and people do not stop and think that the reason they have the freedom to not say the pledge and not be a good citizen is because the people who risked and gave their lives so we can have that freedom.

Thank you for mentioning the armed forces

akira0408,

Yes, they (people, as you said) have the right, purchased by the blood of their soldiers/ sailors/ airmen/ marines, to be disrespectful of the symbols representing our national ideals and goals. That's provided by the Bill of Rights, in our Freedom of Speech amendment...

However, those who are disrespectful (of the very guarantees which make it possible for them to work for their own economic and social benefit) should consider this... If they don't stand up for the system they enjoy, then someone will take it from them - and *then* they have no one to blame but themselves. Unfortunately, those who *do* care will lose it too - because majorities are constructed from "collectiveness".

I would prefer that, since these people obviously don't care about those rights, they find some *other* country to call home - just... LEAVE...

There is nothing quite so irritating, to those who stand up for what they believe, as ungrateful brats who are also cowards...

I would support compulsory service, in either the military or peace corps, for all American young adults who reach the age of majority. It would send them to places around the world where they could see just how good they have it here.

hellopeople,

But, we (Americans) *should* be patriotic...

Shame on you, American, for not reciting the pledge. What kind of an example are you, to those younger and still impressionable, in not standing up for an ideal!

Do you stand and place your hand over your heart, either when the flag passes by (on display by color guard) or when the National Anthem is played?

Children only copy and absorb what they see and hear - their examples are those who precede them.

If one expects to see respectful behavior, then one has to provide an example to emulate - and to teach them *why* it's important.