Sign of patriotism to tire personnel (9)
I believe the answer is:
flagstaff
'sign of patriotism' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'tire personnel' is the wordplay.
'tire' becomes 'flag' (I've seen this in another clue).
'personnel' becomes 'staff' (staff is a kind of personnel).
'flag'+'staff'='FLAGSTAFF'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for flagstaff that I've seen before include "Pole for the standard" , "somewhere in Arizona" , "Jack may be seen here" , "supporter of raised standards" , "Ceremonial pole" .)