Reigniting Patriotism through Education & Awareness
Prioritizing American Patriotism on the 4TH of July
As we celebrate the birth of America, it is the perfect time for citizens nationwide to recommit to patriotism. In the summer heat of 1776, 56 delegates risked treason against the Crown to declare an independent Nation. American service members have defended our land during times of war and attack, and the country has prevailed during trying times. Unfortunately, the American spirit is fading in younger generations. The time to reignite patriotism and pride in America is now.
THE UNITED STATES HAS seen A DECREASE IN PATRIOTISM, especially in younger generations.
- 38% of Americans consider patriotism “very important” to them, down from 70% in 1998.
- 18% of young voters (age 18-34) are “extremely proud” to be American.
- 20% of Americans say the U.S. “stands above all other countries in the world.”
- Just 4 states require parental consent for students to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
However, most Americans still believe in the good of America and in teaching our values in schools.
- 74% of registered voters believe the most appropriate way to teach U.S. history is that “America was founded on the ideals of freedom, equality, and self-governance.”
- Only 15% of registered voters believe the most appropriate way to teach U.S. history is that “America was founded on the ideas of racial oppression and white supremacy.”
States can foster patriotism in public schools by:
- Mandating K–12 instruction in U.S. history, civics, state history, economics, and Western Civilization.
- Ensuring an honest teaching of American history, including studying the primary documents of the American founding.
- Encouraging school districts to coordinate instruction related to the Founding Fathers and the flag.
- Keeping partisanship out of civics.
- Passing legislation like Texas and Florida to require parental consent for students to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Considering patriotic social studies standards such as American Birthright from National Association of Scholars, the 1776 Curriculum from Hillsdale College, and the Little Patriots Curriculum from American Cornerstone Institute.