40 Patriotic Quotes That Honor the United States of America
Updated: Jan. 06, 2023You'll be filled with American pride after reading these patriotic quotes.
Patriotic quotes
With Memorial Day coming up and the Fourth of July not far behind, you may be looking for a patriotic boost. These patriotic quotes will inspire you, fill you with pride, and challenge you to understand the true meaning of the word. After all, it’s up to each one of us to make our country a better place and live up to our ideals. Share these quotes with your pals who could use some inspiration and a reminder about what makes this country great.
If you lost a loved one in the military or know someone who did, you’ll appreciate these Memorial Day quotes, and we’ve also got some Memorial Day activities to make the day meaningful. When you’re preparing for Independence day, these Fourth of July quotes will get you in the mood for celebrating.
“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” —Adlai Stevenson, former governor of Illinois. Here are some patriotic movies to watch on the Fourth of July (or all year round).
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” —Benjamin Franklin, politician, philosopher, and writer. Do you know about the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” —John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States.
“Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” —Charles de Gaulle, French statesman. Sure, Charles de Gaulle was French, not American, but he still has some solid patriotic quotes! All Americans should also know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” —Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady. In addition to these patriotic quotes, here are uplifting quotes that will stay with you.
“It’s important that we establish that we are a country that has open arms and not closed borders for people. It’s important because we let people know why America is what it is. It’s about an ideal and that ideal is freedom for everybody.” —Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, producer, and actress. Speaking of freedom, this is what the First Amendment really means.
“National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals: a necessary condition for self-improvement.” —Richard Rorty, philosopher. We bet you never knew these fascinating facts about America.
“A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.” —George William Curtis, writer.
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” —Nathan Hale, Revolutionary War soldier.
“You can’t separate peace and freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” —Malcolm X, human rights activist and Muslim minister. Here are more powerful quotes that speak volumes in the fight against racism.
“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.” —John Thune, South Dakota senator. Did you know that there are American flag etiquette rules that you’ve probably been breaking?
“Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.” —John McCain, former Senator and Navy officer
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”—Mark Twain, author.
“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” —James Baldwin, novelist
“Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” —Douglas MacArthur, American general. Along with these patriotic quotes, these quotes about nature will help you celebrate America the beautiful.
“I say to you that our goal is freedom, and I believe we are going to get there because however much she strays away from it, the goal of America is freedom.” —Martin Luther King, Jr., reverend and civil rights leader. Here are more of the best Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes.
“The fate of America cannot depend on any one man. The greatness of America is grounded in principles and not on any single personality.” —Franklin Roosevelt, 32nd president of the United States
“America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” —Paul Tsongas, former Massachusetts Congressman. Here are more hope quotes that will instantly lift you up.
“Change often seems impossible until it is inevitable. Just as we must own our lives, we must own our country. For, we, the people, are ultimately in control of America’s story.” —Valerie Jarrett, businesswoman and former presidential assistant
“America is another name for opportunity.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist, and poet
“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” —Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter. After reading these patriotic quotes, check out these gorgeous American flag pictures that will instantly make you feel proud.
