As a combat veteran, I’ve seen firsthand how service builds patriotism. So why is the American left ashamed of their country? Here’s why national pride is disappearing—and why bringing back the draft could unite us again.
“I’m American… but I’m not proud of it.”
I’ve heard this too many times—especially from those on the political left.
As a combat veteran who served as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army, I know what real patriotism feels like. It’s not just waving a flag or posting on social media—it’s something earned through service, teamwork, and a deep connection to your country and the people standing beside you.
But today, I see a growing number of Americans—particularly young progressives—who view patriotism as outdated, or worse, something to be ashamed of.
So, I have to ask: Why is patriotism disappearing on the left, when even struggling nations around the world take pride in who they are?
 The World Takes Pride—Why Doesn’t the American Left?
Visit any country, no matter how poor or war-torn, and you’ll find people proudly embracing their national identity. Whether it’s waving flags during holidays or defending their homeland in conversation, pride runs deep—even when circumstances are bleak.
Yet here in America—the freest and most prosperous nation in history—the left is often first in line to tell you how terrible this country is.
Why?  Because they’ve been conditioned to see America only through its flaws—taught that patriotism equals ignorance, and that pride in your country is something to apologize for.
Identity Politics Over National Identity
One thing I’ve noticed is how people on the left rarely call themselves simply “American.”
Ask them how they identify, and you’ll hear:
“I’m Mexican-American.”
“I’m African-American.”
“I’m Irish—American.”
It doesn’t matter if their family has been here for generations—their allegiance is often tied to ancestral roots, not to the country that gave them freedom and opportunity.
This isn’t seen in most other countries. It’s a uniquely American-left phenomenon, driven by years of academic and media narratives focused on division, historical guilt, and tearing down national pride.
How Serving as a Cavalry Scout Taught Me Real Patriotism
When I joined the Army as a teenager and became a Cavalry Scout—a combat arms role designed for reconnaissance and frontline operations—I didn’t just learn how to navigate battlefields. I learned what it meant to be part of something bigger than myself.
   •  I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Americans from every background.
   •  We wore the same uniform, fought under the same flag, and relied on each other to survive.
That experience built an unshakable sense of teamwork, discipline, and above all—patriotism; It made me proud to be American—not because I was told to be, but because I lived it.
Did Ending the Draft Kill Patriotism?
When there was a draft, every young man—regardless of politics—had a shared experience of serving their country. It created unity, respect, and national pride across all walks of life.
Since the draft ended, the burden of service has fallen on volunteers—many from conservative, patriotic backgrounds—while the left became increasingly disconnected from what it means to serve and sacrifice for America.
Without that bond, it’s easy to fall into a mindset where criticizing the country replaces contributing to it.
Is It Time to Bring Back the Draft (or National Service)?
Here’s a thought some may find uncomfortable—but maybe it’s exactly what we need: Reinstate the draft—or at least mandatory national service.
It doesn’t have to be limited to military service, but programs that require young Americans to:
   • Serve their communities.
   • Work alongside people from different backgrounds.
   • Contribute to something beyond themselves and their online opinions.
If the left spent less time dissecting America’s flaws and more time serving it, I believe we’d see a resurgence of pride—not because they were told to love their country, but because they’d understand why it’s worth loving.
From Pride to Perpetual Criticism
The left has turned shame into a virtue—celebrating those who point out America’s faults while mocking those who stand for the flag.
But patriotism isn’t about pretending the country is perfect. It’s about recognizing that despite imperfections, America remains a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and resilience.
As someone who’s fought for this nation, I can tell you—it’s worth being proud of.
Final Thoughts: Service Builds Pride
Patriotism isn’t automatic. It’s forged through shared sacrifice, teamwork, and a connection to the greater good.
If we want to restore national pride—especially on the left—it starts by requiring every citizen to serve the country they’re so quick to criticize.  It’s easy to sit around, do nothing, and complain, but once you’ve stood with your fellow Americans, worked for something bigger, and worn the nation’s colors with purpose—you stop seeing America as a problem, you become connected to it, and you start seeing it as home and a part of you.
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