Did you consider yourself a patriot before 9/11? if so how did you express your patriotism?

I consider my self 'patriotic'. I'm not going to engage in war, as I am an at home mom, so I'm not sure I can say I'm a "patriot". I was before 911 and still am just as much today. I express it by hanging my flag outside, and I express it in conversations with others. There may be government officials who's beliefs I differ with, but I still stand by our countries original goals and love the freedoms we are able to have.