novel thoughts on national pride (ask not...)

National pride is almost always directly related to service made to that nation.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting rights granted to you by your nation, but sincere accolades and admiration should be awarded to those willing to sacrifice for their country.  Those citizens have earned their rights!

While I am by no means in the same class as JFK, I believe his famous, and much more eloquent, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" quote is in line with my thought process.

Truthfully, this level of involvement and commitment is ideal as we scale down the size of the social circle to even more personal levels of community and ultimately family where direct involvement is easier to make and creates an even more powerful impact.