I think that national pride is a tricky thing. As long as nations are led by fallible human beings we will do things that offend and disappoint some part of the citizenry.
My "nation pride," as such, manifests itself in the bond I have with others in local community service. It especially manifests itself, much like those in the military, when I don my uniform as a firefighter. Although in the military, as well as other government services (such as fire service, EMS, law enforcement, etc.), politics are certain to intrude, by their nature they are designed as apolitical entities. They exist primarily to serve and protect the citizens of the nation. Maybe that is why I can feel some sense of national pride when I am rushing to a fire, lights and sirens blazing. I know that I am serving my neighbor, which, I hope, embodies the best of our ideals. That is what the flag on my dress uniform sleeve represents. Service to neighbor.
The political polarization we have witnessed of late does not make its way down efficiently to those who serve their communities and its people in a direct and close way. Fire does not burn in party colors. Sickness, despite the ongoing rhetoric with the pandemic, does not come because of political decisions. Crime is a reality of a fallen creation, and as a nation we instinctively know that even though we want to expect the best, we often see the worst. And when we see the worst we want a barrier of protection there to guard us from harm and danger. That barrier wears a badge, and is not always popular, and is touched by sin as all things are, but the men and women who wear those uniforms are neighbors helping neighbors. That, for me, is where the essence of our national spirit shines.
