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Sorry, but I can't make it through the anthem at a baseball game without getting misty-eyed. Before or after 9/11, though moreso after. Judging by the cheers during the anthem at Yanks/Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field, I'd say I'm not alone.
The flag on the battlefield is an interesting thing. Our servicemen can correct me if I'm wrong, but the military DOES NOT abandon a flag on the battlefield. It is a matter of pride. Note this is how Sam Jackson gets into his debacle in the movie "Rules of Engagement." They cannot leave the embassy until they climb to the roof and take the flag. Our soldiers DO NOT let it fall into enemy hands. Not while they're drawing breath anyway.
Americans may be more patriotic than other countries, but I think the nature of our relationship with our country has a more subtle distinction: identification. We say "we" when "the US government" does something. Folks in Europe don't tend to identify so closely with their governments.
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