Value in flag, patriotism finally returning (5)
I believe the answer is:
merit
'value' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'flag patriotism finally returning' is the wordplay.
'flag' becomes 'tire' (I've seen this in another clue).
'finally' indicates one should take the final letters.
'returning' says the letters should be written backwards.
The last letter of 'patriotism' is 'm'.
'tire'+'m'='tirem'
'tirem' written backwards gives 'MERIT'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for merit that I've seen before include "Worth; deserve" , "Goodness" , "Quality deserving reward" , "Have a right" , "Value" .)