There are many things I will never quite understand about the modern left, and among them is how their displays of and supposed appreciation for patriotism (their definition, at least) largely depend on the political affiliation of whoever the current Oval Office occupant happens to be.
For instance, after the 9/11 attacks, I remember hearing stories about how there were Democrats who made purposeful decisions not to display the American flag on their cars, homes, etc. while George W. Bush was president, because they didn't want it to be misconstrued as "agreement" with his wartime policies, both foreign and domestic.
And when Barack Obama was elected president after eight years of GWB, newspapers were again quick to interview Democrats who were suddenly proud to be an American and fly the flag again.
“I felt it was no longer a symbol of the country I love, but of Bush and support for his war,” one North Carolina leftist told the Charlotte Observer in November of 2008. "The first thing I did the morning after the election was take it from my den and fly it proudly in front of my house."
“For years, it’s felt like patriotism was a Republican thing. Now I feel like we’ve reclaimed it," a UNC-Chapel Hill student also stated to the paper at the time.
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On the other hand, conservatives have been proud to display the American flag and show support for their country in myriad ways regardless of who is president, something we saw even amid the disastrous four years of Joe Biden's sole term in office, where these people were presented as the true American patriots:
What a contrast from the previous administration pic.twitter.com/ldr1PpYrvd
— Nancy Giles (@Nancegiles) March 10, 2026
In 2025, however, unapologetic patriotism from the right really ramped up after President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, with people eager for the Make America Great Again agenda to be unleashed so the wrongs that happened under the Biden-Harris administration could be righted.
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In 2026, though, we've seen some highly notable patriotic (and heroic) contributions from people whose party affiliations are unknown, but whose words and actions spoke volumes about where they stood: on the side of right over wrong, freedom over tyranny, and pride in country over deplorable self-loathing.
People like Olympic gold medalist Jack Hughes, who - complete with bloody, toothless grin - had the following to say in a post-game interview immediately after he carried the men's hockey team to a gold-medal victory with an overtime goal:
"This is all about our country right now. I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates, it’s unbelievable," Hughes told NBC. "The USA Hockey brotherhood, it’s so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today."
USA hockey star Jack Hughes, still bleeding from his mouth, celebrates America’s victory over Canada:
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 22, 2026
"This is all about our country right now. I love the USA... We're so proud to be Americans."pic.twitter.com/rdZUhZOJAa
There was also Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, whom we got to know much better during President Trump's SOTU, and whose selfless actions during Operation Absolute Resolve in January, even as he was injured, ensured the success of the United States' mission to bring Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro to America to face justice:
Each one of those bars on his right sleeve represents six months deployed overseas in a combat zone. Dude is literally an American hero. https://t.co/aWKdJC4zFI
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) February 25, 2026
More recently, there was the quick, instinctive thinking of NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards, seen in a now-iconic picture, rushing into danger during the attempted terrorist attack near Gracie Mansion in NYC on Saturday, where two suspects are now in custody after allegedly trying to commit what DOJ Attorney General Pam Bondi called an "ISIS-inspired attack of terrorism" against those protesting NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani:
Some heroes wear capes — Chief Aaron Edwards wears blue. pic.twitter.com/wYvDfSbxgM
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 10, 2026
There are also our patriotic men and women in uniform, carrying out the Iran mission:
Starting last night, and in the next few days, there will be complete control of Iranian skies.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 4, 2026
U.S. forces have struck or sunk to the bottom of the ocean more than 20 ships from the Iranian regime.
America's military might on FULL DISPLAY. Operation Epic Fury 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qdOxC5qm6n
Y'all, I think it's safe to say that 2026, which also happens to be the 250th anniversary of America's independence, is indeed the year of the American patriot:
2026: the year of the patriot pic.twitter.com/oO06zfyI2D
— Sarah Gallagher (@sgallz_) March 10, 2026
There's plenty more where that came from, but I think the point has been made. God bless the USA.
