Patriotism appears to be waning. People who say they’re very proud to be an American is at 67 percent, down from 91 percent 20 years ago, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Now might be the right time to defend this old-fashioned value. I believe that patriotism is a positive trait—alongside love for friends and family and generosity—that we should want more of in our country, not less.

Having patriotism—a sense of pride and fondness for your country—doesn’t mean you think your country is flawless. However, it can help us strive to make it a better place to live.

Patriotic people are happy to be associated with their nation and feel a sense of devotion toward it. They want it to thrive for the better good of all.

If people around you think patriotism is silly, don’t let that bring you down. Like many affections, patriotism can be cultivated and encouraged.

I’m advocating for a return to common-sense patriotism—the kind that takes pleasure in flying a flag, retelling the best stories from your nation’s past, and taking steps to make your home a better place for future generations.

4 Reasons to Love Your Country

Here are some reasons why you might consider rekindling your love of country:

1. Common Stories Unite 

Many things might unify people locally, but building strong ties across a country of diverse people is a larger challenge. Patriotism means finding pride in the good parts of your country’s story while acknowledging and learning from others. Historic stories cultivate a shared sense of unity and provide the building blocks for ways forward.

2. Civic Engagement

Patriotic people are more likely to vote in elections, volunteer for public projects, and make sacrifices in the name of their country’s ideals. This is good news because democracy is supported by people’s civic actions. Without patriotism, politics becomes a power play, where each man or woman is out for themselves, and the voices of the people are not heard.

3. Honors Past and Future Generations

Beyond what we accomplish or the power and influence we wield, our patriotism fills a psychological role in our lives by helping us feel we’re a part of something greater than ourselves. Many of us long to think that we are part of history in the making—that what we do and who we are matters. Identifying with our country, celebrating its culture and history, and rooting for its success involves us being a part of it all.

4. Motivates Collective Action

When people care about something, in this case, a country, they are more likely to feel distressed when they see it moving in the wrong direction. They are more likely to unite around common threats. Patriotism is one of the many threads that tie us together in a world where many feel alone and isolated. Knowing that may spark reason to celebrate old-fashioned values of pride and loyalty to one’s country.

If you’re looking for a way to activate your patriotism, consider any of the following:

• Learn about the history of our country through books, podcasts, and movies.
• Explore and travel to as many places within our country as you can. Get to know our country’s people and cultures—though we share being American, there are many regions steeped in unique history.
• Stay informed about issues and challenges our country faces and celebrate what is going well.
• Hold our government accountable for honesty and vote for people who will make it a better place.
• Display your flag, cheer for your country’s team in the Olympics, and soak in your country’s national music.