To mark the 250th anniversary of independence in the United States, Alpha News reporter Rachael Van Rossum visited Lake Harriet to ask residents whether they are proud to be American.
Responses varied widely.
Several residents didn’t hesitate to say yes. One individual explained that many people she had met from other countries view America as “a place of freedom.” Another said his patriotism stems from becoming an American citizen after relinquishing his South Korean citizenship as a baby.
Others expressed more casual or lighthearted pride for their country. “Heck yeah. It’s just a good country to live in,” one resident said.
Not all responses were positive. One individual said, “No, not really. I would rather be in Australia or somewhere where we have free healthcare.” Another was more critical, saying, “I think that the country is just corrupt and the way we treat people is wrong,” adding concerns about inequality and access to food and healthcare.
Notably, one woman from France expressed a more positive view of the country’s climate than many U.S. citizens Van Rossum interviewed, showing off nails painted with both the American and French flags.
“Everything is different. Everything is bigger here than in France. People are more friendly here.”
When asked whether they were happy with the direction the country is headed, most residents were inclined to say no.
Several attributed their concerns to leadership and political division. “Our leaders are not doing their job in terms of ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of justice,” one person said. Others emphasized the need for unity, with one stating, “I just think we need to come together and be a little bit kinder to each other.” Another added simply, “I’m a little scared.”
Political frustrations also surfaced more sharply in some responses. One individual stated that “Republicans are evil”, while another pointed to the current president as the primary issue, saying “Trump is just crazy. I would say we need him out of office.”
Despite the wide range of opinions on patriotism, one point of agreement emerged among the otherwise varied responses: every resident interviewed could identify what Americans are celebrating on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For some, the answer was simple. “It’s our birthday,” one resident said.
Others pointed to the historical significance of the occasion. One individual described it as the “anniversary of gaining our freedom,” adding that it is “something to be celebrated.” Another said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the principles on which the United States was founded.
Though opinions differed on the state of the nation today and where it is headed, the residents of Lake Harriet largely agreed on the significance of the holiday itself: a commemoration of the country’s independence and the ideals that inspired its founding 250 years ago.
Rachael Van Rossum
Rachael Van Rossum is a journalist and author who studies political science in the Twin Cities. She previously interned with the Illinois House of Representatives and recently published her debut fantasy novel "The Hellburner of Sovi." Rachael is passionate about telling compelling stories and bringing to life the voices of political figures, athletes, and members of her community through engaging writing. She is the Alpha News journalism fellow for the summer of 2026.
