Happy Independence Day to all Americans! Below is a summary I wrote for someone who asked why it is a good thing to be patriotic (Some people just don't get it):
Patriotism represents what you feel proud about in your country. It also represents what you are willing to do to make it better. Each country in the world has its own claims to fame or something the are good at. Patriotism is being proud of being in a unique place with unique virtues. The US for example, while having its problems, is the beginning of a successful republic with freedom and justice for all. We are all equally able to fail or succeed in the US based on our own merits as an individual. A lot of other countries cannot lay claim to that, and that is something to be patriotic about.