It helps us to keep our composure during stressful situations. It is much like the virtue of courage in that it requires strength, but patience is more subdued. Like piety, which describes our relationship with our families and Church. Patriotism describes our relationship with our country. It acknowledges our country as a gift, but also as a responsibility.
Countries are natural arrangements of people that protect families and the rights of persons.
We should not take our country lightly. Many have even given their lives safeguarding the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. Moreover, countries mirror important truths about its people. For example, the United States was founded upon a Constitution that embodies its values as a nation. True patriotism has often been misunderstood and distorted by unscrupulous leaders.