As a former US Marine and Vietnam veteran, I was also stationed at various military bases in the 1960's. Morning and evening colors were and are important traditions, and respecting our flag and country are unifying tributes. In my mind, being patriotic doesn't mean one agrees with everything we have done in our history, and it doesn't mean we see our country as perfect. It also doesn't mean we place our country above our reverence to God. We are always Christians first, followers of Jesus, redeemed and saved by grace alone. But we are also blessed having lived in this country, and we desire to make it better. Every time I see our flag and hear the national anthem, I am moved emotionally. My father fought in World War 2, and was wounded. So did my uncles, and one of them limped his entire life as a result of being shot in the leg. We have been blessed. We must thank God, and make America better in every way we can.