Pride: a deadly sin on one hand, blatant and overt—an “I’m better than you” belief and action.  It is pride as we know it; pride in its most recognizable form—in a word, “puffery.” 

On the other, there is a healthy side to pride—one of self-awareness and self-love. A person with a healthy self-esteem will not downplay their abilities with a false humility nor will they feel the need to “puff themselves up” beyond what they know to be true. 

You can take pride in the accomplishments of your children, the “good” in your community and your nation.

Likewise, it is ok to be a patriot! 

Patriotism is the feeling and expression of love for one’s home country, along with a feeling of unity with those who share those feelings.  You stand for the National Anthem, recite the pledge of allegiance, you celebrate your country and work to make it better.  You understand the rights, freedoms and responsibilities contained in our United States Constitution by voting, participating in governing, obeying laws, paying taxes, volunteering in your community, striving for justice, respecting and even loving your neighbor. 

Believe the Preamble to our Constitution: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

We proudly display the flag of our United States with a love for our country. We as individuals, as a community, as a nation are not perfect but we can strive to be better.  

Patriots can protest: to improve our community and our nation—to correct injustices.

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What Is Patriotism? Definition, Examples, Pros and Cons  By Robert Longley, September 8, 2019