Most people think patriotism is a feeling that just happens… until they see the data that proves we are losing it.
As we stand here in July 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of this great experiment we call the United States, I find myself looking at a landscape that feels: to be blunt: more fractured than ever. We should be in the streets celebrating two and a half centuries of liberty. Instead, we find ourselves looking over the fence at our neighbors with suspicion.
You’ve felt it, haven't you? That hesitation to speak your mind, the exhaustion of the 24-hour news cycle, and the nagging question of whether the "indivisible" part of our Pledge still holds any weight.
Today, I want to address these challenges head-on. Not with empty slogans, but with a clear-eyed look at where we are and a hopeful path for where you and I can go from here.
The Shocking Reality of our National Pride
If you’ve ever felt like the spirit of unity is fading, the latest statistics confirm your intuition. Recent Gallup data reveals a sobering truth: only about one-third of American adults report feeling “extremely proud” to be American. This is a record low in a trend that spans 25 years.
Think about that for a moment. In a room of ten people, only three are willing to say they have deep pride in our nation. The divide is even sharper when you look at the generational gap: only 14% of young adults ages 18–34 share that same level of pride.
We are approaching our Semiquincentennial not with a roar of triumph, but with a whisper of doubt. But here is what I want you to understand: pessimism is not a permanent state. It is a symptom of a lack of connection: connection to our history, connection to our neighbors, and connection to the fundamental values that actually bind us together.
Replacing Assumptions with Actual Knowledge
At Pledge Allegiance, our mission has never been more critical. We believe that the decline in patriotism isn't because Americans have stopped caring; it’s because we’ve stopped knowing. We’ve replaced civic education with assumptions and historical context with headlines.
When you look at the Pledge of Allegiance, what do you see? Is it just a string of words you memorized in third grade? Or is it a profound social contract that requires your active participation?
Dive deep into the phrase "and to the Republic for which it stands." Most people assume this just means "the government." But if you look at the historical context we teach in our classroom programs, you realize it represents a system where you are the ultimate authority. You aren't just a subject; you are a stakeholder.
Our goal is to help you move beyond the surface. We want to create a legacy of liberty by giving you the tools to understand why we say these words. When you know the history, the words stop being a chore and start being a challenge.
Bridging the Partisan Divide Through Dialogue
You know as well as I do that extremism is on the rise. It’s easy to retreat into echo chambers where everyone agrees with you. But that’s not how a Republic survives.
We are seeing a massive gap in how different groups view the country. While 70% of Republicans feel "extremely proud," only 14% of Democrats report the same. This shouldn't be a reason for more fighting; it should be a signal that we need to start talking again.
Our community dialogue programs are designed for exactly this. We create spaces where you can sit down with someone who votes differently than you and find common ground in our shared responsibilities. We focus on informed civic participation rather than divisive debate.
What if you spent less time arguing about the candidates and more time discussing what it means to be "one nation, under God, indivisible"? You might find that your neighbor cares about the same freedoms and opportunities that you do. You might find that we aren't losing our indivisible spirit as much as we are just losing our practice in using it.
Education is the Ultimate Tribute
Every day, I am reminded that our freedom isn't free. It was bought and paid for by the men and women who wore the uniform. Part of our work here at Pledge Allegiance is honoring veterans and preserving their stories.
If you want to honor a veteran, don't just say "thank you for your service." Show them that the country they fought for is worth knowing. Show them that you are an informed participant in the democracy they protected.
When we go into schools and teach the next generation about the role of the Pledge in civic life, we aren't just teaching a ritual. We are teaching the value of the sacrifice that makes the ritual possible. We are ensuring that the stories of service members linger in the minds of our children, inspiring them to take up the mantle of civic responsibility.
The Path Forward: Your Role at 250
So, where do we go from here? As we celebrate America at 250, I am calling on you to be more than a spectator.
Confidence in our institutions: our armed forces, our history, our democracy: has eroded significantly over the last decade. But you have the power to help rebuild that trust, one conversation and one lesson at a time.
- Hook: Start your day by reflecting on one phrase of the Pledge. What does "liberty and justice for all" mean to you in 2026?
- Address: Talk to a neighbor. Ask them what they are proud of regarding our country. You might be surprised to find that freedom and diversity remain our top sources of pride across the board.
- Outline: Support civic education. Whether it’s through donating to our programs or bringing our resources to your local school, your contribution matters.
- Dive deep: Read the primary sources. Don't let someone else tell you what the Founders intended: go find out for yourself on our about page.
A Conviction for the Future
I started this letter with a sobering statistic, but I want to end it with a promise. America’s best days aren't behind us: they are ahead of us, provided we have the courage to remember what holds us together.
The Pledge of Allegiance isn't a relic of the past. It is a roadmap for our future. It reminds us that despite our differences, we are bound by a common purpose. It reminds us that "indivisible" isn't just a word; it’s a commitment we make to each other every single day.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for caring enough to be informed. Let's make this 250th anniversary the moment we stopped drifting apart and started building together.
Stay patriotic, stay informed, and stay committed.
Warmly,
Dan Kost
CEO, Pledge Allegiance
Join the Movement
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the next generation of Americans? Learn how you can help us rebuild civic unity today. Together, we can replace doubt with knowledge and division with dialogue.
