Patriotism is still very important to American Tradition, that's why we say the pledge every morning. We need to do so to remember the struggles and patriots we've lost, and that we are still strong. The heroes and heroins serving in Afganistan deserve respect. As if Being away from your families for months at a time wasn't enough they have to live in one of the most dangerous places on earth, knowing that at anytime they could lose their lives, trying to keep us safe; that's a true patriot.