Understanding the meaning of patriotism

The reflecting pool is appropriately named, for what it does literally and symbolically.

On a trip to Washington, D.C., recently, I was reminded of what it feels like to be patriotic. It’s something most of us say that we are, but it can be difficult to explain the emotions it brings up when we are feeling it.

The feeling is powerful when you are standing and staring up at Mr. Lincoln. The President that helped us keep us together. No easy feat during any generation. We are…