Texans Celebrate First ‘American Patriotism Month' After New Law Takes Effect
For the first time, the Lone Star State is formally celebrating Independence Day as part of a newly designated month-long tribute to national pride, republicanism and liberty, thanks to a law unanimously passed earlier this year.
House Bill 2703, authored by Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo), sailed through both chambers of the Texas Legislature with no recorded votes against it—148 yeas in the House, 31 yeas in the Senate, and just two present but not voting in the House.
Because the bill received over two-thirds support in both chambers, it took effect immediately, making July 2025 the inaugural American Patriotism Month.
'July is American Patriotism Month to…celebrate the United States of America and honor the values and principles on which it was founded,' the statute reads.
Texans are encouraged to recognize military veterans, the Founding Fathers, civil rights leaders, moon-landing astronauts, and the unity displayed by Americans following the September 11 attacks.
The law calls for 'appropriate ceremonies and activities that help citizens develop a sense of national pride and national identity,' though participation is voluntary and no specific requirements are imposed.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the bill's passage in May, writing on social media:
Though July has long held special significance in Texas—the Fourth became a legal state holiday in 1879 — this year's observance carries new weight. Texas is now the only state in the nation to set aside the entire month for patriotic reflection.
Raymond, who previously led efforts to add 'In God We Trust' to state license plates, introduced the bill with little media attention but received praise from Texas leaders and civic education advocates.
This also marks the first July 4 that Texans can take their boats down from docks in Galveston and sail into the newly renamed Gulf of America, another Texas-led patriotic initiative approved earlier this year.
As fireworks light up the Texas sky this week, it won't just be the nation's independence being celebrated — it's also the launch of a state-sanctioned season of American pride.
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