- By Matthew P. Binkewicz
- Opinions
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Most Americans consider themselves patriotic. This should come as no surprise as our nation designates numerous days to display individual as well as group pride in being an American. Since May of this year, our country offers nearly a half dozen holidays expressing some form of patriotic fervor: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) Memorial Day May , Flag Day, Independence Day, and for those who really know their history Calvin Coolidge’s Birthday, July 4. A national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted in late June among 1,001 adults, found that more than eight-in-ten (83%) expressed a high level of patriotism. That percentage breaks down as either extremely proud 52% or very proud 31% to be an American. A mere 8% said they are moderately proud while 6% or have little or no pride in being an American. So where do you rank in expressing your patriotism with the rest of the country? Nearly 60% say they are about as patriotic as others. Just 33% claim to be more patriotic than most other Americans. Notably, those who take a particularly dim view of the federal government, including those who agree with the Tea Party movement, are among the most likely to consider themselves more patriotic than most people in this country.
The picture is largely the same when it comes to a key way that Americans express their patriotism: displaying the American flag. Nearly six-in-ten say they show the flag at their home, office, or on their automobile. Men and women are equally likely to do this, but there are large differences by party affiliation, race and age.
People ages 30 and older display the flag much more often than those aged 18-29. This might reflect the fact that older Americans own homes and automobiles whereas younger one might rent or borrow an automobile for their travel needs. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks showing the flag was especially popular with nearly 75% saying they displayed the flag.
Perhaps the greatest display of patriotism is not in any outward manifestation, but by one’s participation in the democratic process. The real test of any democracy is how often the populace comes out to vote. In the 2008 election, nearly 62% of the eligible voters cast their ballots.
As the networks and pundits begin to inundate us with various polls and trends about the upcoming mid-term elections in November, we ought to think about our own patriotism. What role do we play in shaping our nation’s future? What price are we willing to pay for freedom?
The signers of the Declaration of Independence demonstrated their patriotism very clearly with these words, “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” And that is to the point.
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