I remember the first time I returned home from a 3 week trip to Japan many years ago. I was transiting JFK when the immigration official said this to me, and I was also greeted by the banner "Welcome to the United States of America" as well. I really was surprised at great that made me feel. First stirrings of real patriotism I ever had in my life.

Then I sat in the terminal having coffee (no lounge access for me at the time!) and just enjoying the diversity of the people and experiences. (having come from somewhere where there was a lot of homogeneity). It was in those moments where I felt truly thankful to be an American, and it's been that way ever since.