I agree (ie. tradition). One of the things I admire in the British is their regard for tradition. I may be wrong, but the Queen no longer plays a major role in government, yet the British people honor that noble aspect of their history, and I think that recognition lends stability to a society.

Look at the nations that "fly by the seat of their pants", such as most of the African states. They have no guiding principles that have been refined from centuries of governance. Britain, and America, haven't always followed sound principles, but their committment to freedom and justice compelled them to make adjustments as they needed to.

A lack of tradition is a lack of moral direction, not that the individuals of a given nation are immoral for lack of customs, but their course as a nation suffers.