The Spirit of a Nation Lives in Its People-Power of Patriotism
The spirit of a nation doesn’t live in politics or monuments—it lives in its people. I was reminded of this on my way to the airport, when my cab driver—a brand new U.S. citizen—shared, “I love and appreciate this country.” His quiet pride echoed days later as I stood among thousands of Latvians celebrating the Summer Solstice with song, tradition, and joy. In both moments, I was struck by the same truth: patriotism lives in the hearts of those who choose to honor it. Sometimes I think many Americans take our freedom for granted. I share 13 easy ways to celebrate our American pride.
As I climbed into a cab headed for the airport, suitcase in hand and excitement brewing for my journey to Latvia, I struck up a conversation with the driver.
He had just become a U.S. citizen. “This country has given me a future.” His eyes glimmered—not with entitlement, but with deep gratitude. He statement hit my heart in a profound way, the spirit of a nation lives in the people.
Summer Solstice: The Power of National Traditions
I stood among more than 5,000 people in Latvia, gathered to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Jāņi, the Summer Solstice festival held on June 23–24. Jāņi is a vibrant celebration of nature, light, and renewal. Families and friends gather to wear flower and oak leaf crowns, sing ancient folk songs, light bonfires, and jump over flames for good luck—all symbolic acts that reinforce unity and cultural identity.
Adorned in vibrant folk costumes and crowned with wildflowers, we moved as one—babies nestled in slings, toddlers gripping grandparents’ hands, elders smiling with practiced joy.
We walked in a steady, reverent stream through meadows and forest trails toward the sea. There was no urgency, only a sense of collective purpose. In the distance, the call of dūdas—Latvian bagpipes—mingled with the rhythmic pulse of drums.
On the beach, people formed circles, hand in hand as they watched dancers dance to ancient melodies. The music and motions passed down through generations. Flower crowns bobbed in the breeze, laughter mingled with song, and the rhythm of a shared past pulsed beneath it all.
The Spirit of a Nation Lives in Its People
Latvia—my mother’s homeland—has always been part of my story. But standing in that sacred moment, wrapped in tradition and joy, I understood heritage not just as history, but as something alive. It was there, where the heartbeat of a nation around me could be heard.
The Enduring Power of National Pride
What struck me most was how Latvians don’t just remember their history—they live it. They wear it. They pass it down. From elaborate folk costumes to multi-generational songs sung around bonfires, their traditions aren’t stored on a shelf or confined to museums—they’re stitched into everyday life.
And here’s what’s truly remarkable: even when Latvians disagree with their government or feel disillusioned by politics, their love for their country doesn’t change. Their pride isn’t dependent on who’s in office or what the news cycle says. It’s rooted in something deeper: their language, their land, their shared story.
“National pride, for them, isn’t a political act—it’s a cultural heartbeat.“
Lisa Marinkovich
They don’t let temporary frustrations with leadership diminish their reverence for Latvia itself. They know that loving your country and questioning it are not mutually exclusive—they’re both acts of citizenship. And here’s the thing—they don’t take freedom for granted, because they know what it’s like to lose it.
Appreciating a Free Nation
Latvia was a free and independent until it was stripped away when Soviet forces occupied the country in WWII. What followed were decades of repression, censorship and fear. Latvia didn’t regain its independence until 1991—just over 30 years ago.
Imagine that: entire generations raised without the freedom to speak their language openly, to sing their songs, or to celebrate their identity. And yet they held on. They hid their traditions in plain sight. And when independence was restored, they emerged with a fierce, joyful pride that still echoes in every festival, every family gathering, every note of a folk song sung at sunset.
There’s something deeply humbling about witnessing a people who have lost and regained their freedom. It makes you realize how sweet liberty is when it’s been taken away—and how fragile it can be if we forget to cherish it. Witnessing this resilience made me wonder: do we, as Americans, truly grasp the preciousness of the freedom we’ve always known?
Patriotism and National Identity in America
The cab driver’s earnest words on my way to the airport, coupled with the profound pride I witnessed in Latvia, truly brought a core question into focus. Why is it that, back home, visible signs of American patriotism seem to be less common?
Fewer American flags seem to fly these days, and surveys show a decline in how many express “extreme pride” in being American, especially among younger adults. But here’s the interesting part: even if people aren’t flying the flag or singing patriotic songs, they often still identify deeply as American. That core sense of belonging is still there.
The Difference Between Patriotism and National Identity
This made me realize there’s a difference between patriotism and national identity. Patriotism is how we show our pride – the outward expressions like flags and anthems. National identity is knowing we’re part of something bigger, rooted in shared stories, values, and traditions. It’s the internal compass that guides us. Perhaps we’ve been so caught up in everything dividing us lately that we’ve forgotten how to celebrate what still connects us.
This all hit me in the most unexpected place: standing in a large crowd in Latvia, watching more than 5,000 people walk together—singing, laughing, and honoring their culture with flower crowns and ancient songs.
There were no political slogans, no visible division, just pure love for their homeland. And it got me thinking… what would it look like for us to reconnect with our American story—not just on the Fourth of July, but in the small, everyday moments that make up a life?
America’s Youth and National Pride- Decline In Patriotism
Recent statistics paint a sobering picture: national pride among young Americans is at an all-time low. A 2025 Gallup poll revealed that only 41% of Generation Z describe themselves as “extremely” or “very proud” to be American—significantly lower than older generations. In contrast, over 70% of Baby Boomers still express high levels of patriotism
I can’t help to note that one reason national pride is low is that children aren’t learning enough about US history—not in a deep, meaningful way. According to a 2022 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 13% of eighth graders scored at or above “proficient” in U.S. history. That’s a wake-up call.
At the same time, debates rage about removing historical statues and renaming buildings—often without the broader context needed to process, question, and learn from history. Instead of erasing difficult parts of our past, we gain more by engaging with them, asking hard questions, and learning from every aspect of our shared story. Without a comprehensive understanding of our past – the good, the bad, and the complex – how can we truly appreciate our present or build a connected future?
The Call for Shared Values
The Latvian experience offers a compelling lesson for us. What if we, too, embraced our traditions with more intentionality? What if patriotism wasn’t politicized, but normalized—something rooted in gratitude, not division?
My time in Latvia reminded me how meaningful it is to celebrate where we come from—to know our family’s story, embrace old traditions, and pass them along. But it also made me think about how lucky we are to live in a country like America, where we have the freedom to do just that.
We should honor our unique backgrounds—whether they’re Latvian, Italian, Nigerian, Irish, Mexican, or anything else—but also take pride in the place we call home today. That’s the beauty of America: it’s not about losing your identity, it’s about adding it to the bigger story. And maybe, just maybe, finding new ways to celebrate both.
Our rich tapestry of cultures is our strength, but common values and a connection to our national story can be our anchor.
13 Simple, Meaningful Ways to Celebrate American Patriotic Traditions
Building national pride doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts at home—with small, consistent acts:
1. Celebrate National Holidays with Meaning
Go beyond the barbecue. Use the Fourth of July and other holidays as opportunities to teach your family why we celebrate. Talk about the Declaration of Independence, the courage of our founders, and how those values still apply today.
2. Fly the Flag (and Understand Why)
Display the American flag proudly—and explain its meaning. The stars and stripes symbolize unity, sacrifice, and the promise of freedom. Let it serve as a daily reminder of what brings us together.
3. Learn and Share Our History
History isn’t just for classrooms. Visit museums, historic landmarks, or national parks. Watch documentaries or read books as a family. The more we understand where we’ve been, the more deeply we can value where we are.
4. Talk About Your Family’s American Journey
Whether your family arrived on the Mayflower or just became citizens last year, every story matters. Share the journey that brought your family here—and how it fits into the larger American story.
5. Support Local and American-Made
Take pride in supporting U.S.-based businesses, artisans, and farms. Shopping with intention shows gratitude for the work and innovation happening in our own backyard.
6. Volunteer Together
Volunteering as a family fosters a sense of responsibility and connection. Whether it’s a local food bank or park clean-up, service grounds us in shared values and community.
7. Sing Our Songs
Learn and sing songs like the national anthem, “America the Beautiful,” or even classic folk tunes. These melodies carry our nation’s stories and spirit across generations.
8. Create New Traditions
Start something meaningful of your own—like a July 4th gratitude walk, a family “history night,” or lighting a candle in honor of freedom. Traditions help values stick.
9. Share Diverse American Stories
Make space for the many voices that shape our country. Celebrate the achievements of all communities to show that American identity is both inclusive and evolving.
10.Travel Within the U.S.
Explore national parks, historic sites, and regional cultures. Seeing the country firsthand brings history to life—and reminds us how vast and diverse America truly is.
11. Make Gratitude a Habit
Encourage regular reflection on the freedoms we enjoy—like speech, education, and opportunity. Compare them to places where such liberties are not guaranteed to cultivate deeper appreciation.
12. Invite Conversation, Not Perfection
Create a safe space for young people to ask questions, share doubts, and explore what it means to be American. Pride rooted in understanding is far more powerful than blind allegiance.
13. Celebrate New Citizens
Tell the stories of those who choose America—like the cab driver who reminded me why national pride matters. Their joy and gratitude can help all of us remember what a privilege it is to call this country home.
Final Thoughts
My trip to Latvia reminded me that tradition isn’t about living in the past—it’s about bringing the past with you in a way that gives life meaning. It’s about passing something on. It’s about choosing to remember, honor, and carry forward the stories that shape us.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, let’s go beyond the fireworks. Let’s talk about our shared values. Let’s teach our kids not just to enjoy the privileges of freedom—but to understand the cost, the courage, and the complicated beauty of it all.
Because true national pride doesn’t ignore flaws. It acknowledges them, learns from them, and still says: This is home—and I care enough to make it better.
Let’s pick up the thread—one tradition, one story, one flag at a time. What will you do this year to help renew our shared American pride?
