When you are proud to be an American, you want to flaunt it. You appreciate all the country can offer you. Whether protecting your freedoms or allowing you to make a name for yourself, there are many reasons to be proud of this great country.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to demonstrate your pride, we’ll discuss five of the top ways below.
Demonstrating Your Pride
Reports show that about 85 percent of Americans are proud of their country and what it stands for. Many of these individuals are looking for unique ways to demonstrate this pride, and below are some suggestions.
1. Hang the American Flag
You can fly the American flag at your home, but there are rules to ensure you do it respectfully. Your American flag should be free from damage, including regular wear and tear. It can only be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated; otherwise, it should be taken down at sunset.
Additionally, the flag should be removed and placed somewhere safe during inclement weather, like snow and rain, unless it’s an all-weather flag made to withstand varying conditions. It should be flown at half-mast on Memorial Day, during a national tragedy, or the death of a government official. Flags are a great way to show pride at your home and immediately cultivate a sense of freedom and belonging.
2. Wear American Apparel
Many people choose to wear their pride, donning American shirts, hoodies, shorts, pants, and other clothing items. These are especially popular around patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. However, you may choose to wear them all year round.
For many, they can be great conversation starters. Others may ask where you got your clothing or want to discuss what’s happening in America. These talks are welcome and can help you spread pride and joy to others—and even boost the American economy if they are American-made products.
Whether you’re wearing the American flag or just American-inspired apparel, ensure you’re doing it respectfully. You don’t want to shame the flag by your behavior when you are wearing it.
3. Use American Stickers
American stickers are a more subtle way to show your pride. You can slap them on your computer or cars. Hang them up at your desks or place them on items you carry with you, like your phone. You can even wear stickers if the mood strikes you.
Many stickers have funny sayings, which are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. You can even gift stickers to your friends and family. Buying them in bulk is an affordable way to help others show their pride across all their positions.
4. Support American Businesses
American businesses are the backbone of the United States economy, and supporting them is one of the best ways to demonstrate your pride. Although their prices may be slightly higher than those of their international counterparts, the quality is higher, the staff is paid a living wage, and there are regulations to ensure the items are safe.
The money you pay is invested directly back into the American economy, which can strengthen the American dollar and reduce taxes. With enough demand, businesses will create the infrastructure to support increased manufacturing, reducing the need for international goods.
5. Be Active
Giving back is the best way to show you care about your country. You can donate your time by volunteering with community organizations, churches, and other organizations. You can also make financial contributions to organizations that support the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and others.
As you look to exercise your civic duty, make sure you vote at each election. Educate yourself on the current ballot and what the hot-button issues are. This is a great way to ensure that your community has representation that aligns with your views and beliefs. While getting a jury summons can be unwelcome to most, it’s another way to exercise your rights as an American.
The more active you are, the more you can share your beliefs with others. It’s all about spreading the good word, so get out there and be seen.
Conclusion
It is not shameful to love your country, so don’t be afraid to showcase your American pride. Hang patriotic decor at your home or don an American flag shirt. Don’t wait until the Fourth of July to wear your Star-Spangled Banner swimsuit—wear it throughout the year.
American stickers with funny sayings can help make yourself and others laugh as you stick them around places that are meaningful to you. You can demonstrate your American pride in ways that are big and small.
Remember, the more you invest locally, the bigger impact it will have on the overall American economy. Strengthening our economy and providing for your fellow American citizens is the best way to show your pride.