This study attempts to argue that veterans in Korea should be ready to contribute more to the country and play a more positive leadership in encouraging patriotism. The love of the fatherland is not a natural sentiment but an artificial feeling to be fostered by laws, or better, by good government and participation in public life. Some people might claim that love of country is a natural emotion which to thrive and grow strong, has to be protected from contamination and cultural assimilation. This study, however, believes that love of country is an artificial feeling that requires constant stroking and nourishment by political means, first and foremost, good government and civic education about public life. A free republic is not a purely political institution, distinct from a nation understood as a cultural reality. The republic, being a political order and way of life is a culture. Precisely because a free and equal republic cherishes the ideals of freedom, human rights and democracy, we have a great need of memory and commemoration. Memory is a powerful means for encouraging civic virtue and patriotism. The democratic republics that most assiduously defend liberty are also those that are especially committed to celebrating their own history. When we commemorate a long-ago episode of a struggle for liberty, or when we speak of martyrs, of the men and women, who made contributions to the republic, we can arouse in the hearts of participants a sense of moral obligation to carry on the work. The past can become a resource for the civic education of new generations. We strongly believe that achievements and sacrifices by the veterans who serve Korea in times of war and peace can constitute moral authority that nobody can enjoy. As national heros and patriots, veterans have moral authority. It is why they can play a significant role in setting the community right in terms of national values and sentiments. If we wish to be citizens of a free and equal republic, we have to share many important values and sentiments including laws, liberty, friends and enemies, memories of victories and defeats,, hopes and fears. To this end, veterans national councils should be established to address the important issues such as love of country and national identity. Also, they should be able to provide a multitude of learning resources in schools. They should be able to play in an educational role in local self-government by engaging communities in remembrance of their achievements and sacrifices, and by promoting an understanding of their significance in Korean life, as we know it today. It is because that true patriotism should be born and flourish in local communities.