I find there is a difference between patriotism in europe (and Canada, where I'm from), and America (where I currently live, and where the author is from). When you go to the average Canadian suburb, and I feel like this holds true for many European countries as well, there are few overt signs of nationalism: no flags, no "God Save the Queen". In America, however, there is almost a competition for who can be the most patriotic, no matter what the person actually thinks of their country. There are american flags everywhere, Eagles and stars and strips on the back of trucks, "God Bless America" on every tanker truck. It's not enough to be patriotic, you have to prove to everyone how patriotic you are, every day. Sure, Canada Day is rowdy and nationalistic, so is Konigsdag, so is Bastille Day, but it's one or two days a year where there is an overt nationalism in the same way that America is every day. I think that's what the author is referring to when he refers to patriotism.