Poll finds fewer Americans say they’re extremely proud to be American ahead of Independence Day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with parades, cookouts and fireworks, a new Gallup poll suggests national pride has declined compared with previous years.

According to the survey, 33% of U.S. adults say they are extremely proud to be American. Another 20% say they are very proud, while 22% say they are moderately proud. Fifteen percent say they are only a little proud, and 9% say they are not proud at all.

WWAY asked several people in the Cape Fear how they feel about being American ahead of the Fourth of July.

One person, Reece, said that while the country has challenges, he remains optimistic.

“I think there are problems that need to be solved, but I think I am happy where I am,” he said.

August Williams said they are not proud at all.

“Not really, just considering how my ancestors were brought here by force,” Williams said. “I don’t know what my roots are really or anything.”

Another person, Sydney Watson, said she believes the country has made progress while acknowledging there is still work to do.

“You can see how far we’ve come. We still got ways to go, but I would say overall I am pretty proud,” Watson said.

The Gallup survey also found a sharp partisan divide in responses. Fourteen percent of Democrats and 28% of independents said they are extremely proud to be American, compared with 70% of Republicans.