The 4th of July, a national holiday, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The thirteen colonies on the North American continent declared independence from the British colonists, forming a nation.
Close to two and a half centuries later, the United States of America is a robust democracy, a leader on the global geopolitical stage, and a dream destination for those seeking better opportunities and a brighter future. As the nation gears up for another presidential election, questions such as where the country is headed, whether this trajectory is sustainable, and what lies ahead for American society are increasingly coming to the fore. But, traditionally, the Fourth of July has been a time for communities to come together and bond over a holiday that reminds us that, beneath it all, we are one nation.
As we celebrate America’s birthday with picnics, parades, and fireworks, the TIPP Poll asked Americans across the nation, “How patriotic are you?”
The responses were impressive. Four-fifth (79%) said they were patriotic, of which 46% stated they were “very patriotic.” A deeper analysis reveals that the sentiment is higher among the older age groups than the youngsters. Some attribute the low numbers among the youth to their lack of knowledge of the history of the country and the significance of its institutions.
As has been the trend, love, devotion, and loyalty to the country were higher among Republicans and conservatives. The Democrats' and independents' numbers stayed around the three-quarter mark, while there was a 10-point difference between conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
86% of the 1389 American adults who participated in the TIPP Poll said they were proud to be Americans. National pride, which surged after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, has remained high over the past two decades, though long-running polls report a decline over the years.
As with patriotism, national pride increases with age. 96% of seniors say they are proud to be Americans, while only 72% of those in the 18-24 age brackets share the sentiment.
Republicans and Conservatives polled ahead of Democrats and moderates when expressing pride in America. Independents were closer to Democrats in poll numbers, while the liberals’ share was closer to the moderates.
Despite the deep divisions in society, overall, Americans still take pride in their country and express a strong sense of patriotism. While that is encouraging, addressing the low numbers among the youth would be prudent. A better understanding of the nation's history and civic institutions will go a long way in fostering love for the country and pride in its achievements. Such endeavors are necessary to mold a society that can withstand threats to its ethos and unity.
July 4th Inspirations
Celebrate this July 4th with timeless wisdom from great American thinkers. These quotes capture the spirit of freedom, patriotism, and the enduring ideals that define our nation.
I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.
— Wendell L. Wilkie
America means opportunity, freedom, power.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.
— Mark Twain
Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.
— Herbert Hoover
America. It is the only place where miracles not only happen, but where they happen all the time.
— Thomas Wolfe
Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness.
— Louis D. Brandeis
Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.
— Abraham Lincoln
Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.
— Douglas MacArthur
America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.
— Ronald Reagan
May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country!
— Daniel Webster
