Bill, with all respect, I asked what the word means to you. I appreciate that you like to identify the word with a certain definition.

I think you are probably quite right about the firemen, who did not think about flags, symbols or whatever on the day. I also agree that they would have gone in for people of any nationality, race or group. I don't have a problem with identifying that sort of heroism -and service to the community - with a form of patriotism.

I was trying to follow up Stringsinger's point about military service not necessarily being the litmus test of patriotism. Love or devotion to one's country does not necessitate indifference to others. I should hope it would mean the opposite.

Americans have given their lives to save foreigners. Cornishmen gave their lives to try to save Irishmen from a stricken coaster. I think that is something worth being proud of.