Patriotism
Love of country
Love and pride in America is believing in what it stands for; that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This passion moves a person to serve their country, to defend the constitution and protect the rights of all abiding by the laws set forth. Dr. Rush put country before family because he understood that if the citizens lost control of it the government would become the “great enemy” of our families.
Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families. The amor patriae [love of country] is both a moral and a religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures, not only of the present but of future generations.