text: You must prove your patriotism by your deeds, not merely by words.  Have you served on active duty in the military?  Do you regularly make your views known to your Congressional representatives?  Do you take the time to keep yourself informed on current events?  Do you know and understand the political, social, and economic history of the nation?  Do you take personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of your country (this idea blatantly stolen from Robert Heinlein)?  Do you teach the young people in your sphere of influence why you are proud of your country, relying on reason and logic instead of just emotion?  If you can honestly answer "Yes" to all of these questions, IMHO, you are a patriot.