It is pretty sad that some people identify patriotism/nationalism etc with antipathy to foreigners. That does not need to be the case at all. I think it is important to start by valuing the people, who are nearest to you - as McGrath pointed out earlier. However, there is no need for it to stop there. The military can be a good test of one's commitment, because it shows that you are prepared to sacrifice your life. It does not have to be the only one by any means though - or even the first one. The firemen, who raced into the twin towers on September 11 had every bit as much commitment to their fellow citizens. If that is not loyalty I don't know what is.