Jeff Moeller, Columnist

It seemed like it was the perfect patriotic blend.

The U.S. men’ s soccer team - or the USMNT was headed to the World Cup Round of 16 and remnants of July 4th were still lingering.

Everyone still had a level of buzz about the country’s 250th birthday. Sports has had its share of playing a major role in the country’s nationalism. Remember when the USA men’s hockey team in 1980?

I was moved by Richmond Hill’s Memorial Day service at the police station.

It wasn’t that long ago when we had a similar celebration on a reduced level when the USA men’s and women’s hockey teams won Olympic gold medals. Americans stuck out their chests and walked proudly for a few days.

The USMNT’s rise as an underdog fueled its share of barroom celebrations and house parties across the nation. I’m sure many of you reading this attended one of those.

If you watched any ballgame over the past week, you may have heard some “USA” chants in the background. How many TV highlights did you see crowds at various other locations blaring the chant?

July 4th brought out a multitude of hats, socks, sweatshirts, pants, t-shirts and other clothing items spattered with the traditional red, white, and blue. I had to find a blue sleeveless shirt for my morning July 4th run, and put away the gray one. I truly felt I had to do it.

The country’s semiquincentennial and the USMNT elevated a sense of extended patriotism to mercurial heights, one that country hasn’t seen in years. The usual political divides toned it down.

It was good to see everyone join in the celebration and the feeling , and also good to see seemingly more flags flying at homes.

Suddenly, though, the bubble burst with the USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle Monday night.

The ride was over, and there were plenty who experienced a combined sense of sadness, frustration, and anger. The team didn’t play well, and they had only themselves to blame.

As with the loss, the glowing flame of the country’s 250 birthday has been significantly turned down a few notches.

Is that heightened state of patriotism over?

Let’s hope it isn’t, but likely it is.

America will get back to its daily grind, and the political divides will come back into the picture.

But keep wearing your flag t-shirts, socks and hats. Keep your flag flying or a red, white and blue ribbon wrapped around your mailbox.

Patriotism shouldn’t be just a temporary state because we celebrate a major accomplishment. There are simple, everyday things you can do.

You can play your part by simply singing the national anthem at a high school football game or any other sporting event where it’s played. Or you can attend a patriotic event, like Memorial Day. Be grateful for your chance to feel safe thanks to law enforcement and first responders and thank them for their service. I always do.

We have to continuously realize that we live in the greatest country in the world, and patriotism should be part of our daily fabric.

Let’s not wait until there is another worldwide sporting event to remind us.

Jeff Moeller is a correspondent with the Bryan County News.