Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began in 1868 after the Civil War as a day to honor and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It later evolved into a federal holiday commemorating all U.S. military personnel who died in service.
But as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, American patriotism is on the decline.
Gallup conducts its "American pride" survey annually, typically during June in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July. The research and polling organization has tracked the topic consistently since 2001.
The polling reported last summer shows that American pride has reached an all-time low, with only 58% of adults describing themselves as "extremely/very proud of their country."
Though pride levels among Baby Boomers and older generations remain higher, ranging from 70% to 80%, less than half of Generation Z adults report feeling proud of the country.
Likely contributing to this is the fact that most young Americans have lived through a housing crisis, student debt, many wars and conflicts, and a government that has had declining public trust.
On this Memorial Day, however, Dr. Alex McFarland says it is important for all Americans to remember all the blessings that come with living in this great nation.
"What we have — the freedom, the stability — we are so blessed," he asserts. "And with great blessing comes great responsibility."
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001, Gallup reported that about 90% of Americans felt very or extremely proud of their nationality. This sentiment remained relatively stable for years but began to decline steadily in the 2010s, with a more rapid drop occurring over the past five years.
According to Gallup, the decline in national pride appears to be deeply partisan, and "Democrats are mostly responsible for the drop."
McFarland likens their framing of America as a "failure" and "structurally racist" to "treason," and he challenges younger Americans who may struggle with patriotism to find their niche and for Christians to go into society to make a difference for God and country.
This Memorial Day, he believes one simple message that has been repeated through generations is important message to hold dear: "This is the greatest country in history."
