My father was a retired Army colonel who served from World War II through the Vietnam era, dedicating more than three decades to military service. During those years, he faced moments that nearly cost him his life—sacrifices he rarely spoke of but never regretted. Years later, as I walked through Washington, D.C. with my husband and son—past the memorials, the Capitol, and monuments honoring generations of Americans who served—I felt a profound sense of gratitude and patriotism. That feeling deepened on September 11, 2001, when a hijacked plane struck the Pentagon, hitting the very section where my father had once worked.
In those moments, I was reminded that patriotism is more than pride in a flag or devotion to a place. It is gratitude for those who sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we enjoy and a commitment to pass those blessings to future generations. Patriotism is neither automatic nor guaranteed; it must be taught, nurtured, and renewed. In the following article, Cristina Cevallos examines where patriotism stands today and why cultivating a love of country remains one of our most important responsibilities.
For the love of country,
Wendy Wixom, President
United Families International
Patriotism: The Love That Holds a Nation Together
Cristina Cevallos
Athletes born in one country competing for another; protests demanding open borders; misinterpretations of history; supranational entities making decisions on a global scale beyond, and at times contrary to, the interests of individual nations; citizens burning the flags of their own countries. The very idea of nations and patriotism seems to belong to the past.
As a matter of fact, a recent study found that fewer than half of Gen Z Americans are extremely or very proud of their country. Why do we see a declining number of people proclaiming their love for their homeland and their fellow citizens? Let us discover what has led us down this path and why the future of our nations may depend on changing course.
What it means to be a patriot
Patriotism implies the existence of a nation. It is not equivalent to a government or a political structure, rather, it is self-governing people occupying a distinct territory, capable of charting its own independent course, cultivating its own traditions, and pursuing its own interests without outside interference.
Such people share a common culture, language, history, institutions, customs, rituals, traditions, and holidays that distinguish them from other groups. In this sense, a nation is more than a political arrangement, it is a historical and cultural community bound together by a shared identity.
In this regard, Rich Lowry Author of “The Case for Nationalism: How It Made Us Powerful, United, and Free” argues that patriotism is a form of love, an affection for one’s own people. This sentiment can manifest itself in countless ways. Whether through the preservation of traditions, service to the community, national symbols, shared celebrations, the defense of a nation’s sovereignty, the protection of its cultural heritage, support for fellow citizens in times of need, teaching children about their history, or cheering for national sports teams, patriotism reflects a commitment to and appreciation for the unique inheritance of one’s nation.
Current threats
Patriotism, and the nation itself, are threatened by disintegration, whether from external pressures or from internal conflicts. Therefore, it is quite evident that they are currently in great danger due to the growing fragmentation and polarization that characterize our time. Although these trends manifest themselves in different ways and to varying degrees, they have become a common feature throughout much of the Western world.
Ideological and progressive currents, such as Critical Race Theory, Feminism, Identity politics, and similar movements that emphasize group differences over a shared national identity, have contributed to social division. These ideas have become particularly influential in educational institutions and the media, shaping how younger generations understand their country, its history, and their relationship to their fellow citizens.
The United States offers an illustrative case. According to a recent polling, 65 percent of Democrats describe themselves as “very” or “somewhat” patriotic, compared to 92 percent of Republicans. Such figures suggest that attitudes toward patriotism are increasingly shaped by political affiliation, reflecting broader divisions within society.
These ideologies have also contributed to the erosion of the moral values that have historically distinguished Western societies. As Alexis de Tocqueville observed, societies depend not only on institutions and laws, but also on a shared moral culture capable of sustaining social trust and civic responsibility.
This contrast today in the rise of poorly managed multiculturalism in countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium, and the United Kingdom (see the case of Henry Nowak), where the common cultural and moral foundation has been weakened by encouraging the coexistence of separate backgrounds rather than fostering integration into a shared identity.
Beyond internal challenges, nations also face external threats. Rival powers have often benefited from weakening the unity and social cohesion of competing nations, and they may do so through a variety of means. Former Soviet defector Yuri Bezmenov famously argued, for example, that ideological subversion could be more effective than military force in undermining a society from within.
Likewise, globalism represents a significant challenge today, as critics argue that supranational institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the World Economic Forum weaken national sovereignty by transferring decision-making power from independent nations to international bodies.
Patriotism with a purpose
The most significant weapon against these threats is a well-directed patriotism. One that promotes the common good while recognizing and respecting individual freedom and the dignity of every citizen. One that is ordered toward preserving national sovereignty, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering a sense of loyalty and solidarity among fellow citizens. One that rejects ethnic conflict, segregation, and violence, and instead explores the benefits of federalism and local self-government, particularly in nations that have historically been multicultural.
One that understands that immigration policy is central to the preservation of the nation and recognizes the legitimacy of prioritizing the interests of native-born citizens and legal immigrants. One that acknowledges that cultural exchange can be enriching and beneficial, but only insofar as it does not undermine the sources of social cohesion, national identity, and a shared sense of belonging that hold a nation together. Such patriotism encourages people to know, value, and defend their nation’s heritage, history, traditions, and institutions and inspires citizens to take responsibility for the future.
This depends on us. From flying the national flag to discerning how best to serve our country’s needs, each citizen has a role to play. On one hand, we must help renew the moral foundations of our societies, restore decency, and cultivate virtue in our communities. On the other hand, we should learn the history of our own nation and of others, especially the chapters that are often neglected, forgotten, or distorted.
Ultimately, we must make patriotism fashionable again. The commercial success of patriotic films, songs, and cultural symbols is not accidental. It demonstrates that patriotism speaks to something deeply emotional within the human person: the need for identity, belonging, and purpose. Throughout history, these bonds have inspired countless individuals to serve, and even give their lives for the values and people that make up their nation. Let us ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain by remembering a simple truth: what is not loved will eventually be lost.
Cristina is a Peruvian lawyer with a master’s degree in Human Rights. She combines political experience with her work as a writer and researcher, focusing on bioethics, family, religious freedom, and cultural heritage.