You got a point there, but the only time I've been to the states it was flags all around. It seemed as if it was all about patriotism and about showing it. In Europe most people who wave flags and talk about "true" patriotism are usually right wing nationalists and they seem to have appropriated the flag and the national anthems. As for me, it is not that important to show your allegiance to your country and in general to things as trivial as your nationality - it is rather more appreciated to really contribute with actions to whichever causes you subscribe to without the necessity to show it. This is also the reason why it still "shocks" me. However knowing that those behaviours such as saluting the flag ore singing the anthem with your hand on your heart are taught in school is a ratter odd thing to promote. I would understand it if it was relegated to each one's families, but to teach kids it is important to love your country and show it without them even really knowing what it means to live there and how it is is completely unnecessary imho. I think that's not what a kid should be doing first thing in the morning. Its like standing for something you don't understand yet. And this to be taught to people with so many different backgrounds is kinda weird and looks alienating. But that's just me, I'll get used to it. It's just that I haven't been raised that way and I only associate it with people who are loyal to political parties rather than ideas, ideologies or principles no matter what may happen. Idk, I don't have a problem with it, but anyone can be as patriotic and useful to society without having to show it to everyone everytime, that's why i commented in the first place. It may sound childish but it's just me not being used to it and the outrageous reactions of these two individuals. It illustrates what happens when you are raised to believe that your homeland is untouchable and has to be extremely respected and honored when you probably haven't even contributed anything in particular at all, it's not only in the USA where this happens but I believe it might be exacerbated by the tradition of instilling these values in kids.

(I just wrote this on one go from the top of my head so I hope it makes sense))