US patriot always flanked by soldiers (6)
I believe the answer is:
revere
'us patriot' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'always flanked by soldiers' is the wordplay.
'always' becomes 'ever' (synonyms).
'flanked by' indicates putting letters inside (other letters go on other side).
'soldiers' becomes 're' (Royal Engineers).
'ever' placed within 're' is 'REVERE'.
(Other definitions for revere that I've seen before include "Lapel, for a midnight rider?" , "Hold in great respect" , "night rider to Lexington" , "Venerate - American hero" , "Show great respect for" .)