Florida ranks low on the patriotism scale? I don't believe it

Miami Herald

22-05-2025

How patriotic is Florida? Not very, according to a survey by WalletHub. We ranked No. 46 — that's fifth from the bottom. Fifth least patriotic? I was shocked. I couldn't believe it.
I learned of our low ranking when I joined Tim Padgett recently on The South Florida Roundup on WLRN, the National Public Radio affiliate in Miami to discuss patriotism. Until Padgett shared the link to the survey during our discussion of patriotism, I hadn't realized there actually was a patriotism scale.
Before that, had I been asked where I thought Florida would rank in patriotism level, I would've said at least in the top 10. I mean, it's a Republican stronghold, and I have found Republicans to be more openly patriotic than Democrats. (Note to those on the left: Feel free to email me to tell me why I'm wrong.)
Florida seems to have all the trappings of patriotism: home to 24 active military bases, home to the third large largest veteran's population in the nation and a lot of civic engagement. In 2024, Florida saw a high voter turnout for the presidential election — roughly 78% showed up to cast their ballots. Plus, we have American staples such as Disney World and Sea World.
WalletHub uses metrics such as the number of military enlistees and veterans, voter turnout, AmeriCorps volunteers and civic requirements in schools — but these don't capture the full picture. There is another aspect to patriotism, one that isn't tied to a political party, even if it feels that way.
Patriotism may have been hijacked to a certain extent by the far right, but during the 2024 presidential election, the Kamala Harris campaign pushed back on that idea with camouflage hats and campaigning with former Republican electeds such as Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY).
At it's core, patriotism transcends partisan lines. It's about the ideas such as Freedom and opportunity that unite use as Americans have long defined the American experience.
The Netflix documentary 'Tricky Dick and the Man in Black,' released in 2018, is about Johnny Cash performing at the White House at the request of President Richard Nixon in 1970, with the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Is a good example of these values and shows two men who loved America even while disagreeing on policy and war. At the time, of course, Americans were deeply upset over the president's handling of the war, and the documentary depicts that, showing protesters and their signs. The bottom line: The documentary showcases the ways Americans worked to effect change. It was, in my view, patriotism in action.
I've seen a bit of that more recently, too. Americans have been expressing their patriotism in the forms of protests — protesting Trump's presidency and Elon Musk's DOGE. From flag waving to sign carrying, there is no question that people are upset and also that they clearly love our country.
People who voted for Trump told me they did so because they love this country and believe a businessman is the answer to a tumultuous Biden presidency. Those who voted for Kamala Harris also did so out of love for America, believing a Harris presidency was necessary to protect the country from another four years of Trump.
Regardless of who you voted for last November or where you fall on the political spectrum, a love for America is the purest form of patriotism. No flag waving, protesting or apple pie required.
Florida – as of four years ago when WalletHub completed its survey — doesn't check all the criteria, but spend a day in the Sunshine State, and you'll see patriotism on full display, especially in Miami.
From the Cuban Americans who came to America to flee communism to our retired veterans who picked Florida to call home after their service to the houses that display American flags year round, and not just on key holidays, patriotism in Florida runs deep.
It's not something that can be fully captured in a survey nor does it solely belong to one political party. It's embodied in our commitment to preserving American democracy and upholding the Constitution.
I recognize the future feels a little uncertain. But it's important to remember our nation has weathered its fair share of storms and endured in its nascent history. It's our love of country that keeps democracy alive.
For conservatives, our belief in American exceptionalism is cemented in our founding fathers' vision of limited government, individual liberty and free markets – principles woven into the fabric of our nation.
This Memorial Day, let's take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on their commitment to our country's freedoms. It's not only patriotic; it's the right thing to do. Freedom still exists, and each day, we are striving for a more perfect union.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: [e-mail]