Bishops often have a place along ministers, governors and other officials in patriotic ceremonies.

And their unwillingness to take part in secular patriotic ceremonies, like the annual minute of silence for those who fell in wars, is seen as disrespectful to the nation.

Marking Sept. 11 The Yankees said they would hold a "respectful and patriotic ceremony" today to mark the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The marchers wind up at the bandstand on the village green for an patriotic ceremony replete with songs and flowery oratory.

The patriotic pregame ceremony did not go as smoothly as planned.

They disagreed on such questions as: Can a local government demand that a public school student participate in a patriotic ceremony?

A re-creation of an 1870's Fourth of July, including historic re-enactments, patriotic ceremonies and a parade.

Americans commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks by attending patriotic ceremonies, joining interfaith prayer services and spending quiet moments with friends and relatives.

Schools became important centers of village life as teachers became involved in agrarian petitions, sponsored theater presentations, and organized patriotic ceremonies on national holidays.

Instead of going through this patriotic but self-conscious ceremony, most people just fold up old Old Glories and stick them away somewhere.