I found some pieces of my heart in Denmark, scattered in every nook and cranny of Denmark’s celebratory air, in the cross-hairs of the two white stripes that adorn a field of red. The Dannebrog wavers on flagpoles against blue skies, spotted with clouds. She hangs neatly from a wooden stick, resting gently on the edge of a basket filled with freshly pressed waffles. A frosted-white cake, ready to be cut, each slice marked by paper banners on wooden toothpicks; the sugary canvas is a LEGO-sized memorial to the pride of a nation.
Danes love their flag, and not in a nationalistic sense. Whereas American patriotism has become a visual marker for conservative elitism, and Germans reserve their flag for occasional stately affairs and national sports events, Denmark has elevated their simple red and white banner to a symbol of intimate celebration. The Danish flag welcomes friends and family at the airport for their homecoming; peppers gardens and tabletops during birthday celebrations; stands gently on castles and seaside overlooks; drapes the compassionate hearts of her people, gently bundling them together with a strong white ribbon.
NOCK NOCK 
Not sure that I agree with your statement “Whereas American patriotism has become a visual marker for conservative elitism”, but I understand why you say it. Lots of patriotic folks in this country of all persuasions.
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Perhaps I’m conflating two observations: the visual representation of American patriotism and the separate and varying political values. What I mean to call attention to is the trend of adorning our lives with American flags and symbols and screaming “MERICA” with a tone and attitude that elude to feelings of superiority. e.g. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/'merica
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