Until the military draft was abolished by the Nixon administration, most able-bodied young men served in the Army, Navy or the Air Force. It was a duty and in many cases the benefits were mutual. Fulfilling one's obligations is often rewarding and uplifting.

On a recent trip to Branson, MO, I was surprised at the level of patriotic feeling and national pride I observed in the Midwest. Unlike the supersophisticated Northeast American flags and references to military service were everywhere. It was both astounding and refreshing. I had almost forgotten that it existed on that level.

The Army-Navy Parade in the 1950s and 1960s was always one of my favorite activities. The City of New York placed stands on the Central Park side of Fifth Avenue and the pomp and circumstance of marching men and women was uplifting. It was a fitting tribute to the uniformed servicemen, defenders of our freedom.

In recent years the Veterans Day Parade, as it is now called, fell into disfavor. One year it was canceled altogether for lack of interest. Was it oversophistication, or was it laziness or was it just boredom with our men and women in the service?

Events of Sept. 11 have resulted in a sharp change in the attitudes of New Yorkers and the country in general. Stars and Stripes are seen flying everywhere. Homes that had no flags fluttering are rare. Many houses have more than one flag displayed. The stores were depleted and flagpoles were difficult to acquire, after the World Trade Center was demolished.

Lapels of men's garments and women's dresses are brightened by red, white and blue insignias, done with multicolored stones. People are starting to remember how beautiful our "Old Glory" really is. No longer are people ashamed to sound enthusiastic and patriotic about our country.

The tragedy of 6,000 deaths dug very deeply into the psyche of the American public. The sounds of danger and destruction to our way of life jolted us back into a startling realism. The central idea became "We must all stand together against an outside enemy."

To awaken a slumbering America is a dangerous move for our enemies. Hitler and Japan both learned that lesson in the 1940s. The American people are kind and giving but are single-minded and tenacious when attacked.

Patriotism-2001, I love it and I am truly proud of my fellow Americans.