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With the Winter Olympics upon us, many Americans will follow the medal count and seek constant updates, hoping our nation will lead not only in gold medals but in total medals as well.
2026 stands as a milestone in the American story; as our athletes compete in Milan, the nation simultaneously marks the 250th anniversary of its founding. The Olympics tend to bring out the best in patriotism, often uniting the nation and creating a bipartisan goal: victory.
The Winter Olympics have long been moments of lasting memory, notably the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” That moment popularized the “USA, USA” chant—a refrain that has since transcended sports to become a defiant roar of unity following 9/11 and other times of national trial.
Of course, every country has its own patriots and nationalism. However, the make-up of the United States, the patriotism it embodies, and what it represents stands as a unique nation, one that other countries cannot emulate nor completely understand.
The original patriots of 1776 sought freedom from rule. They held the conviction that freedom was never a mere political idea, but a foundational principle bestowed by the Creator. The generations following used those same guiding principles to end slavery through a bloody civil war, to restore Europe from oppression not once, but twice, and to eliminate terror causing havoc in the world—all in the name of freedom and serving one’s neighbor.
Americans seek greatness. American athletes represent that spirit. They are the sons and daughters of people who sought the American dream and wished to experience independence.
When an athlete stands atop the podium and the national anthem begins, politics fades, if only for a moment. At the Olympics, as the flag rises slowly, millions watch in quiet reflection. It is a recognition that individual effort represents something larger than self. The athlete competes alone, yet never truly alone. In that brief ceremony, one flag tells many stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude. It reminds Americans that liberty is not merely an idea, but a reality in the home of the brave.
Our nation is not perfect; just as during World War II, division exists at home. But that is the beauty of America, that the people are free to think, worship, and exercise their liberty without suppression from a dominating government.
It is often said that America is more divided than in any previous generation. Such remarks are invalid; one must never forget the duels and fistfights on the Congress floor, as well as a civil war that took more American lives than any conflict in the nation’s history. When it matters most, Americans unite. This is the enduring strength of the American spirit.
America is unique because of its diverse backgrounds and core identity. That identity is best put on display in the Olympics—from the 1980 Miracle team to the Dream Team, to legends like Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, and Apolo Ohno. These athletes all signify greatness, proving that while we are a nation of many stories, when the anthem plays, and the flag rises, we stand together as one.
