Patriotism

 Discusion of Vietnam in class raised many personal questions. Do Americans actually feel patriotic when they return home, after possibly killing many lives? What makes them feel patriotic? Is it the cheers from Americans leading to such a feeling? Yes this is a sensitive subject, due to different perspectives, however I find it interesting.
Why would killing others give honor to your country? Possibly to show power. Anti-war activists would progressively pursue such a question.
Some veterans may reply "it gave me worth, something to do with my life in a time of hardship" my uncle said. However, in the past, prior to me asking him this question, he told me about how common drugs were in Vietnam. Once ago, when he was a soldier, I hope  he wasn't the one doped up waving a gun around. But I dare not ask for I do not want to know. But in my imagination I picture other unresponsible soldiers. Some may be on drugs because the crazy circumstances and they may act like a different person too. Is it these circumstances that give them patriotism? Yes they are fighting in a different country, but how do we know it's because they want to be a defender of the US, or because they don't want to be on the streets? Could different life circumstances affect patriotism?
I am not a war veteran so I have never had to justify killing and have such a mentality. Although this is mostly unanswered question, I hope to influence your perspective on patriotism. I do believe that when the Vietnam soldiers returned everyone was happy to see them, regardless if they were druggies or not.