By Danielle Edwards
Every 4th of July welcomes a crowd of Americana merchandise, overwhelming crowds and fireworks, and God Bless the USA blaring from the headphones of passersby. While the 4th is the perfect day to show off your patriotism and how proud to be American you are, there are 364 days of the year where America is STILL great and STILL the beacon of freedom for the rest of the world. So, here’s 10 ways to spice up those 364 other days and stay patriotic:
1. Go to a baseball game.
There is absolutely nothing more pure American than a baseball game in the summer with a hotdog and a group of friends. Even when it’s not America’s birthday, it is America’s favorite pastime.
2. Wear subtly American accessories and outfits.
One of the most fun things you can do is incorporate your pride in your country into your everyday looks. Red lipstick? Check. Cute American flag earrings/bracelet? Check. Even a simple painted American Flag pocket design works perfectly. You can be tastefully patriotic any day of the year.
3. Fly an American flag outside your house.
One of the best things you can do as a citizen in America is promote the beauty of the flag. Even if you don’t have a house, you can hang or decorate a small section of your apartment/dorm with something American Flag related. It’ll show guests that you love your country and respect your flag.
4. Go vote.
This one seems super obvious, but there is nothing more patriotic than exercising your right to vote. In America, we get to have authority over who are elected officials are and it’s a shame when people don’t take advantage of that.
5. Visit Washington, DC.
Every corner of Washington, DC is crawling with history and museums (and most are free.) If you want to keep your American pride running high, definitely take a trip up to our Nation’s Capitol and witness history being made every single day.
6. Have a firework show!
Anyone who suggests you can’t shoot off fireworks aside from New Year’s and Independence Day aren’t people worth listening to. Find a friend with a lake, go to a show, or find a way to incorporate sparklers and smaller fireworks into a neighborhood barbecue.
7. Listen to patriotic music.
I don’t care what time of year it is, because Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith will always make you feel proud to be from the USA. Pop on some country tunes and you will instantly feel your heart fill up with the idea of the American Dream.
8. Binge American movies.
One redeemable quality of Hollywood is that they put out some great American classics. From movies like The Patriot to Top Gun, there are plenty of movies to get you hyped up as an American, even on a lazy Saturday.
9. Buy American.
While a lot of merchandise comes from China and other countries, there are plenty of All-American alternatives. You can go out of your way every day to support local businesses and American born products.
10. Have a barbecue.
Is there anything more American than sitting out with your neighbors and friends, grilling, and relaxing in the most free country in the history of the world? Not at all. Barbecues are the perfect patriotic activity to unite you and your fellow Americans.
The truth is, when it comes to patriotism, yes, you get to be flashy on the 4th and go all out, but there are so many ways to truly show pride in your country and respect for the American Dream 364 other days of the year. After all, freedom never goes out of style.