Although I'm Italian and live in my country, I appreciate your thread, and I also agree that:
"Patriotism is one thing, but respect for our country and it's flag is, in my view, obligatory if you're an American and intend to participate in our society and culture."
I wouldn't expect everybody to be a patriot, but at least to have a sincere
"respect" for the Nation, its culture and tradition.
Unfortunately more or less similar scenes can be seen also here in soccer matches when a football player scores a goal looks as if he's saved the whole nation;
I would also add that the media have their share of responsibility, as more than one time I've heard the commenator enthusiastically calling them "heroes" and say that "they are writing the history here!"...
Heroes are NOT football players, and History has always been writen in parliaments and on battlefields.
All this is simply unconceivable to me.