Can you feel patriotic for a country that is not yours? Can you honor the nation whose passport you do not carry? Can you celebrate America without belonging to it? Yes – you absolutely can.
This is a story of my borrowed patriotism: an earnest and respectful pride for a land that is not mine. It is a tribute to freedom beyond the borders.
The 4th of July, Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the USA. This day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when it was declared that the 13 colonies were no longer subject to the Monarch of Britain, King George III, and were united, free, and independent states.
This year, on the 4th of July, I had a chance to be in Boston and experience all the traditional celebrations, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Old State House, processions, and passionate speeches. Boston had a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Many main events leading to independence happened in or around Boston. Boston was a hotspot of the resistance against British rule. While the Declaration of Independence signified the birth of the United States of America, its ideas inspired revolutions and democratic movements worldwide. They became a foundation for other documents on human rights.
I was keen to attend the Fourth of July celebration in person and witness the pride of a great nation in its freedom. What struck me most was how powerful and unifying the moment felt – not because of grand political speeches, but because of the simple, fundamental truths spoken in strong, decisive voices. There was no need for high political rhetoric. Simple, basic things made the atmosphere patriotic. The sight of red, white, and blue everywhere around, the sound of the Declaration of Independence being read aloud, and the shared sence of purpose in the crowd touched me deeply.
It was not my country nor flag, yet I felt a deep sence of patriotism and solidarity. It felt like I was not standing for a particular nation, but for freedom itself – a fundamental human right, a principle that does not have borders. The spirit of liberty that moved through the celebration reminded me of the universal importance of freedom to act, speak, and make choices.
I was born in Lithuania, a country that was not free then. I know what it means to live without the freedom to speak openly and have your ideas, without the right to seek the truth, and under constant fear. Even as a kid, I felt the silencing that came from the Soviet Union’s censorship, brainwashing to worship one party, one leader, one vision… Freedom is not an abstract idea to me; it is precious and of great importance.
Therefore, on the day of American Independence, I held the American flag and felt a profound emotional pride – not just in a nation, but in the idea of freedom. This value transcends borders and belongs to all of humanity. It may have looked like borrowed patriotism for the United States, but it truly was genuine patriotism for freedom.