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I love America. My patriotism isn't partisan.

Nicole Russell   Paste BN

I bought a house in north Texas a couple of years ago. One of the first things I did after moving in was to ask my dad to install a bracket outside the house so I could place an American flag in it.  

I am a freedom-loving American, so I fly the flag every day, all year, extreme weather permitting.  

Thanks to Texas winds, my flag is often knocked out of the pole. I’ve seen later, via my Ring camera on my front door, neighbors stop what they’re doing and quietly fix my flag. Such a small gesture of patriotism and care warms my heart.  

Last month, I replaced my flag for the fourth time after the colors faded or the fabric tore from exposure to the weather.   

In many ways, this is the story of America, the last 249 years. Sometimes our nation feels faded and torn. Other times it feels strong – even brand new.  

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I love to think about the beginning of this country. The courage that the colonists had, hungry for freedom, to start a new life here. Yet, after relentless taxation, tyranny and “a long train of abuses” by Britain’s king, they revolted and declared their independence.  

The idea that “all men are created equal” with unalienable rights, endowed by our Creator was radical. Those rights, guaranteed to all Americans, remain the driving force behind why our nation is home to more immigrants than any other country in the world, more than the next four countries – Germany, Saudi Arabia, France and the United Kingdom – combined.

But that is not enough for some people. A new Gallup poll shows that patriotism is slowly declining in America, especially among Democrats. I’m not surprised that it has remained relatively steady among Republicans, but the overall dip is unfortunate.  

America is a beacon of freedom and possibility. Here, we can worship, speak and live freely. Today, we enjoy the fruits of the work our ancestors started in ways they could never have imagined.  

I don’t care what the polls say, I love America. Millions of Americans feel the same way. It’s unfortunate that more Republicans than Democrats share that value. Patriotism shouldn’t be partisan.   

I plan on celebrating July 4 with family, friends and food, just like I think the signers of the Declaration would have wanted us to.  

What about you? Do you feel less or more patriotic than years past? How will you celebrate? Take our opinion poll here, or reach out: nrussell@gannett.com.

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