Ways to Show Patriotism in the New Year
Adam Kunes,
The New Year is a chance to start fresh: to make the upcoming 365 days better than the last 365. Many people embrace this feeling by making resolutions, such as losing weight, starting a new routine or giving up a bad habit. And while you might be thinking about ways to make the next year your best one yet, it’s also important to think about how you can embrace your patriotism.
The last two years—2020 and 2021—have been struggles for many. Political divide, social tensions and the stress of a global pandemic have all taken their toll. We could all use a little more patriotic spirit in 2022 and beyond. Here’s a look at a few simple ways you can imbue your everyday life with patriotism and the goodwill that accompanies it.
1. Fly the Flag with Pride
One of the easiest ways to show patriotism in the New Year is to fly the flag! If you do not have a flag pole and flag already, make it a New Year’s resolution to get one this year. Even if a flag pole is out of the question for your home, you can still fly the flag as a porch or doorway flag. The possibilities are endless, which makes it easy to fly the red, white, and blue and show your patriotism all year. Just make sure to abide by the rules, such as flying the American flag higher than all others and never letting it touch the ground.
2. Treat the Flag with Respect
When you fly a flag, there are certain respects you need to show it. For example, never fly the flag in darkness. A flag should be illuminated at night and if you do not have lights, you should take it down, fold it carefully, and store it in a designated flag box at sundown—then replace it each morning. You also want to make sure your flag is in good condition. An American flag with holes, tears, stains or fading is a show of disrespect to both the flag and all the service members who died protecting what the flag represents. Make sure your flag is in good condition or buy a new one at the start of the year.
3. Send a Care Package to the Troops
One of the more caring ways to show patriotism in the New Year is to send a care package to our troops. There are several charities working to bring a smile to a soldier’s face by way of care packages. Care packages are a thoughtful way to bring a soldier some of the comforts of home, while also showing your appreciation for the sacrifices they make serving overseas. You can even make it a family affair and involve the kids or grandkids in creating care packages for the troops. Make it a point to send one each month and feel good about the support you’re giving those who need it most.
4. Volunteer or Donate to Veteran Organizations
Aside from care packages, volunteering your time at a veteran-centered organization is a great way to show patriotism. From working with disabled veterans through the VA to volunteering at the Veterans History Project, there are plenty of ways to give your time to the deserving men and women to whom we owe our freedom and way of life. If volunteering isn’t an option, many veteran organizations take monetary donations as well. This is a simple way to show your patriotism, and it’ll rekindle your own positive spirit as you see the direct, beneficial impact of your time or money on those who deserve it.
5. Plan a Trip to a National Monument or Park
National monuments are named as such because they are an important place of American history. From battlefields that shaped our nation to historic sites such as the Washington Monument, there are plenty of places in our country worth visiting in the coming year to show your patriotism. National parks are also a great way to discover and enjoy the rich natural history of our nation. Best of all, most states have local areas of interest within a half day drive, so you can make a family trip to discover the history of your great country in your own state. Pile in the car and take a sightseeing tour of the country to boost your patriotic spirit this year!
6. Dress with Patriotic Spirit
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest impact. When you open up your dresser drawer and see a piece of American flag apparel looking back at you, you won’t be able to help yourself—a patriotic spirit will immediately wash over you. Whether you’re wearing a flag shirt for the 4th of July or stepping out of the house with your American flag hat on, you’ll embody patriotic spirit—and even help evoke that same spirit in others who see you. Browse the full selection we offer, and feel good about buying American-made products for a double-whammy of patriotic spirit!
Make Patriotism Part of Your New Year
Whether your New Years’ resolution is to lose weight, start a new hobby or kick a bad habit, know that you’re not alone. People across the country are doing the exact same thing. And while it’s not always easy to see the things that tie us together as Americans, wearing American flag apparel and showing off our patriotism is one way to remember that we’re all here together, doing our best to be better. Good luck in the coming year!
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