It’s not hard to feel American pride every 4th of July, but what happens the next day?

It seems to all disappear. No more flags, no more red/white/blue – the public display of national patriotism fades away until next Memorial Day, at best.

However, there’s something to be said for helping our children display patriotism throughout the year, not just one day or week in July. Think about ways we offer year-round support for other things we love – now imagine your kids calling the grandparents only once a year.

We love America, right? Let’s show everyone there’s more than one Captain America.

Wave flags

It’s the easiest, most time-honored way to show your pride. Let your kids raise it, or display it, every single day of the year. Consider installing a flagpole, but if funds or space prevent that, add one to your porch or balcony – or wherever people can see it. There was a resurgence in flag interest following 9/11, but that has faded with time. How unbelievable would it look if every home in America displayed a flag? Don’t forget that flags must be illuminated if kept out overnight.

Respect the office of President

Whether you like Biden or Trump or whomever, you have to respect the position they hold. It’s not as if you need need to endorse the person or what they stand for, but rather, just the office. Here’s an idea: the next time you want to spread negative energy about a specific person on social media, instead use that moment to say something positive to your children about the importance of the Oval Office and to their future. Your kids will have plenty of time to shape their own political opinion when they’re older. After all, some child their age will be President someday. For now, help them understand that even if we don’t share the same values or ideals we need to respect one another. Drop the negativity around your kids. Respect starts with you.

Visit D.C.

There’s no better place to learn about our history and patriotism than in the District of Columbia. And if time or money makes that impractical, perhaps settle for a visit with your kids to your state capitol or local courthouse. There you’ll at least see American government clicking on a local level. You could also try to meet your U.S. representative, who is often accessible at fairs and events.

Thank a vet

You can’t always tell the veterans walking among us, but if you happen to meet one, show your children just how much they mean by thanking them, buying them a meal or cold drink, or showing some other gesture of gratitude.

Read history books

You can teach your children a lot about American pride and dignity with a simple trip to the library. Let them pick the topic, as there’s plenty they can learn about our monuments, historical moments and figures who made America so great.

Obey our laws

What kind of message are we sending to kids when we break traffic laws, then top it off by bad mouthing law enforcement who issue tickets? Our laws are there to keep us and everyone around us safe. We would do well to set an example for our children by respecting the law and those who enforce it.

Get involved

When we serve others, we’re serving a greater cause than our own. That doesn’t mean we need to necessarily work at a local food kitchen. Often libraries have volunteer opportunities for pre-teens, or at school or church. You also could simply clean off gravestones at a cemetery or pick up litter on a family walk. Opportunities abound to help our fellow Americans.