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The perception of patriotism

Fireworks over the National Mall during an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Washington.
Allison Robbert
/
AP
Fireworks over the National Mall during an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Washington.

As America marks its 250thbirthday this year, the national mood is deeply fractured.

While many citizens feel let down by the federal government, others are feeling a strong sense of national pride.

Patriotism has become a partisan discussion, less about a shared love of country and more about one political side or another.

This raises critical questions: What does it truly mean to be a patriot, how did public perception shift so drastically and what lies ahead for national confidence?

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