Being a patriot, by definition, isn't someone who merely puts flags on their truck. Sorry to confuse your little brain. Maybe the country you served did not instill a sense of pride in you? A patriot, in my opinion, is someone who supports the troops regardless of politians. It is impossible for an American patriot to back every political move, but, they support the troops and back the American way of life. If you don't know what the American way of life is, then, visit Sierra Leone......Iraq right now is wonderful..... Or you can hang out in Mexico (a county where it's citizens are literally dieing in an attempt to cross the border for a better life). So stay humble before you post your nonsense.
So let me get this straight, by asking what is patriotism you attack me personally, very nice. Now on to my second point, the country I served in did a multitude of things for me. I was active as a child but the military took it to another level obviously. Due to my age I was taught respect at home but again the military took it to another level. Playing football in my pre-army days instilled teamwork but you guessed it the military does the same but in overdrive. One of the more important lessons I learned in the army was something call Esprit de corps or learning about the regiments many glorious battle honours dating back to WW1.
My opinion differs in what a patriot is in this way, anyone who does not directly fight for a country can't be a patriot, period. I am almost sure if you asked anyone who served in an army regiment if a civilian supported the troops you might get the following answer, I/we don't give a rats ass. By the way the same answer would apply to anyone protesting the armies actions.
Luckily I grew up 1/2 of a mile from the US border so I have a small amount of knowledge in regards to the American way of life. Another nice thing about growing up were I did was learning world history and this involved countries such as Canada, Usa, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia. The Netherlands, Belguim, Ussr/Russia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, China etc. Oh in grade school we had to learn all of the countries that made up Africa which stood at roughly 35 or so ie Sierra Leone.
Your last point is way to ironic in regards to staying humble or are you completely joking. I can go to just about any country on this globe with my countries flag on my back (not something we do generally as my country is very humble) and I am almost sure I will be greeted in a friendly manner. There are a few countries were I would not be safe but then again unless you are of a certain religious group no one is safe.
My last point on this particular post is this, in WW1 our forefathers became involved approximately 3 years before the USA, WW2 2 1/4 earlier. I am not sure if many Americans would know this or even care to know this.
World history makes for great reading and some would learn that there are many other countries that contribute to freedom.
My original post was to get peoples perspective on what a true patriot was especially those that were hard on the op.
and to anyone worried about it messing up or hurting your truck it's 8 tiny holes no one will ever see. And it's sad to see people be so rude about being patriotic. Rock on! 
