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45 Patriotic Quotes That Honor the United States of America

Meghan JonesMeghan JonesUpdated: May 18, 2023

You'll be filled with American pride after reading these patriotic quotes

"America is another name for opportunity." —Ralph Waldo EmersonRD.com

Patriotic quotes to celebrate America

With Memorial Day coming up and the 4th 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 of us to make our country a better place and live up to our ideals. Share these patriotic 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 StevensonRD.com

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” —Adlai Stevenson

Here are some patriotic movies to watch on the Fourth of July (or all year round).

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country." —Benjamin FranklinRD.com

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” —Benjamin Franklin

Do you know the difference between the Declaration of Independence vs. the Constitution?

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." —John F. KennedyRD.com

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” —John F. Kennedy

“Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” —Charles de GaulleRD.com

“Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” —Charles de Gaulle

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 vs. 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 RooseveltRD.com

“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

In addition to these patriotic quotes, here are uplifting quotes that will stay with you.

"Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better." —Albert CamusRD.com

“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.” —Albert Camus

"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 WinfreyRD.com

“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

Speaking of freedom, this is what the First Amendment really means.

"Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong." —James BryceRD.com

“Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.” —James Bryce

If you love displaying the flag’s colors, check out these gorgeous red, white and blue desserts you can make for any patriotic holiday.

"One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!" —Oliver Wendell HolmesRD.com

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!” —Oliver Wendell Holmes

These are the American flag facts you didn’t learn in school.

"National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals: a necessary condition for self-improvement." —Richard RortyRD.com

“National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals: a necessary condition for self-improvement.” —Richard Rorty

We bet you don’t know 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 CurtisRD.com

“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

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." —Nathan HaleRD.com

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” —Nathan Hale

"You can't separate peace and freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom." —Malcolm XRD.com

“You can’t separate peace and freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” —Malcolm X

Here are more powerful quotes that speak volumes in the fight against racism.

"May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn't free." —Sgt. Major Bill PaxtonRD.com

“May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” —Sgt. Major Bill Paxton

"I think patriotism is like charity—it begins at home." —Henry JamesRD.com

“I think patriotism is like charity—it begins at home.” —Henry James

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." —John F. KennedyRD.com

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” —John F. Kennedy

"I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit." —Theodore RooseveltRD.com

“I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit.” —Theodore Roosevelt

If you’re thrilled that America now has a Black, Southeast Asian, female vice president, you’ll love these inspiring Kamala Harris quotes.

"It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing." —Gen. George S. PattonRD.com

“It’s better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.” —Gen. George S. Patton

"The essence of America—that which really unites us—is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion—it is an idea—and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things." —Condoleezza RiceRD.com

“The essence of America—that which really unites us—is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion—it is an idea—and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.” —Condoleezza Rice

“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 ThuneRD.com

“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

Do you know there are American flag etiquette rules that you’ve probably been breaking?

"America is a tune. It must be sung together." —Gerald Stanley LeeRD.com

“America is a tune. It must be sung together.” —Gerald Stanley Lee

"Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history." —John McCainRD.com

“Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.” —John McCain

"I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism." —Bob RileyRD.com

“I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.” —Bob Riley

"The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous." —Frederick DouglassRD.com

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.” —Frederick Douglass

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” —Mark TwainRD.com

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” —Mark Twain

"What I can do for my country, I am willing to do." —Christopher GadsdenRD.com

“What I can do for my country, I am willing to do.” —Christopher Gadsden

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America." —Bill ClintonRD.com

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” —Bill Clinton

"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 BaldwinRD.com

“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

"Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” —Douglas MacArthurRD.com

“Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” —Douglas MacArthur

Along with these patriotic quotes, these quotes about nature will help you celebrate America the beautiful.

“We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something—for liberty and freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.” —Ronald ReaganRD.com

“We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something—for liberty and freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.” —Ronald Reagan

"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave." —Joseph Rodman DrakeRD.com

“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” —Joseph Rodman Drake

"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.RD.com

“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.

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 RooseveltRD.com

“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

Don’t miss these inspiring presidential quotes.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." —Elmer DavisRD.com

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis

"May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." —Peter MarshallRD.com

“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” —Peter Marshall

"America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor." —Paul TsongasRD.com

“America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” —Paul Tsongas

Here are more hope quotes that will instantly lift you up.

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” —Douglas MacArthurRD.com

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” —Douglas MacArthur

“Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.” —Mary RoachRD.com

“Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.” —Mary Roach

These powerful kindness quotes will stay with you.

"In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it." —Barack ObamaRD.com

“In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it.” —Barack Obama

Check out more empowering strength quotes that will give you courage and confidence.

"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 JarrettRD.com

“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

"Freedom is never given; it is won." —A. Philip RandolphRD.com

“Freedom is never given; it is won.” —A. Philip Randolph

"Freedom lies in being bold." —Robert FrostRD.com

“Freedom lies in being bold.” —Robert Frost

"America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels." —Claudia PembertonRD.com

“America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.” —Claudia Pemberton

"America is another name for opportunity." —Ralph Waldo EmersonRD.com

“America is another name for opportunity.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom." —Bob DylanRD.com

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” —Bob Dylan

After reading these patriotic quotes, check out these gorgeous American flag pictures that will instantly make you feel proud.

Originally Published: April 08, 2022

Meghan Jones
Meghan Jones
Meghan Jones is a word nerd who has been writing for RD.com since 2017. You can find her byline on pieces about grammar, fun facts, the meanings of various head-scratching words and phrases, and more. Meghan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2017; her creative nonfiction piece “Anticipation” was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Angles literary magazine.