Just a few weeks shy of America’s 250th birthday, I’d hoped to see a surge of patriotism among Americans nationwide and in Texas where I live, I have. But I’ve also been delighted to see it from another surprising source: Europeans tourists.
There’s a German soccer fan who’s caught the country’s attention and whose patriotism and excitement for all things Americana has warmed my heart. His wide-eyed fervor for America provides a lesson for all of us, a we inch closer to July 4.
“Freddy,” posting as @FreddyLA7 on X, came to the U.S. to follow Germany’s World Cup progress, but his account quickly went viral for the enthusiasm he’s shown for America’s sights, sounds, scenes and food. And he's not the only one. Frenchmen, Englishmen, and others have been sharing their love of this country after finding themselves in various World Cup locations.
As Freddy has been driving through the Southern states—Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and New Orleans—he’s appreciated the country’s natural beauty, historical markers and cultural wonders like Buc-ee's and Bass Pro Shops. He’s gained followers and caught the attention of the Department of State and Buffalo Wild Wings.
“First time experiencing this flyover Americans do before big sporting events and I have to say it goes kinda hard,” he posted on X June 9. At Bass Pro Shops, he wrote. “We found another surreal place on our way. I know some people will say I’m too positive about everything I see, but this place was crazy. They had a shooting range in the store.” I hope this means he’s discovered the Second Amendment as well.
Freddy’s not the only foreigner exuding gratitude for things Americans take for granted. In an interview with Fox News’ Will Cain, Shaun Alexander, a Scottish visitor here for the World Cup games, told Cain his favorite thing about America was “Absolutely the people.”
This kind of patriotism has declined in the last few years among actual Americans, sadly. Why has patriotism, a hallmark of our national identity, declined?
A June 2025 Gallup poll showed that American pride had not only dipped to a new low, but has done so along party lines and with a record-high gap between Republicans and Democrats. According to Gallup News, 92% of Republicans express extreme or very high pride in being American, compared to just 36% of Democrats. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are significantly less patriotic than older generations such as the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers.
I’m glad America has multiple parties—to each their own when it comes to politics. But why don’t Democrats love America with the same ardor as a Republican? I don’t understand why their patriotism has declined. If it’s because there’s been a Republican elected twice in the last three cycles, that makes it even worse. Love of country that fluctuates with the party in power isn’t love at all.
Furthermore, why does it seem like visitors to America appreciate America more than our own citizens do? Of course, Freddy, Alexander, and the other Instagramers’ stories are anecdotal, not indicative of a broad consensus of what all Europeans or UK residents feel about America. In fact, some data shows about one quarter of Europeans confess they don’t like American visitors.
Still, there’s something refreshing about seeing someone from Europe fall in love with America the way I love America. It’s not perfect, of course. Republicans in power could do better to preserve conservatism, our taxes are still too high and our government is still too large. But, my country, right or wrong—it’s still my country.
Whether you’re hiking the mountains of Colorado, bustling through the crowded streets of New York City or lounging on the sandy beaches of Florida, America is beautiful, stunning and abundant in natural resources. But that’s not all. Capitalism is such a boon here, the European mind can’t seem to comprehend it. Our free market system has allowed entrepreneurs to take their passions and turn them into products Americans want and need—that includes everything from Buc-ee’s and Bass Pro Shops to iPhones and Starlink.
I’ve always loved my country and I didn’t need to see America on the World Cup’s stage to appreciate it. But I have to say, seeing America through the eyes of visitors has been a delight. I wish all Americans—Republicans and Democrats—embraced this country with such zeal.
