For many nations, political and economic stability find fulfilment within a regional context. The European Union is one such vivid example. Schuman, De Gasperi and Adenauer were no less patriotic towards their homelands when they gave birth to the concept of a united Europe. Patriotism is not national chauvinism. It is a way of furthering the interests of one's country and strengthening its social and moral standing, and building a society bound on the principle of solidarity.
Patriotism gives a people identity and personality.
It focuses on roots and not in contempt of others or to prevail over them, but rather to ensure that a people take its rightful place in the community of nations. Patriotism also means striving so that one's country, in concert with other nations, can live in peace. When the future of a nation is threatened, then patriotism becomes the choice of peoples. This is the patriotism that I believe in. I am convinced that this is also the kind of patriotism cherished by those being honoured today.