Nov. 11, 2025, was Veterans Day, and the Maryland flag hung proudly above the American flag in front of the school. Security officer Kelly M. McDonnell, wearing her late father’s Marine Corps cap, was shocked by the scene. To her, no other flag should hang above the American flag, especially on Veterans Day.

As a first-generation immigrant to the United States, I have long been surprised at the lack of patriotism expressed by American citizens. I remember as a young girl, standing up straight, hand over my heart, closing my eyes to recite the pledge of allegiance with pride. Today, the same anthem I adored goes unheard, shrouded by the morning announcements and the chatter of distracted students.

McDonnell’s family originally came to the United States from Ireland in the 19th century. Growing up in Chicago, she witnessed the passion immigrants have when they come to America. Moving to a new country doesn’t mean you must let go of your heritage; it means you should simply prioritize the culture of your resident nation.

Governor Moore, an Army veteran, has publicly stated that he “is proud of his service in the U.S Army” and that his work as a governor is driven by the motto “Mission First, People Always”. Given his appreciation for the service, it is shocking how many Maryland schools do not have the holiday off. 

The Montgomery County Public School District hasn’t recognized Veterans Day as a holiday for many years. Their Board of Education opposed the Senate Bill 269 regarding the implementation of the holiday in 2016. While they “appreciate the intent to honor veterans”, the Board stated that “school-related calendar decisions should be determined locally,” while ironically favoring representation of international celebrations. Specifically, the Board stated that celebrating the holiday would make it harder to meet the 180-day requirement for school calendars.

State independence from the federal government has long been a foundational principle of the United States, explaining why not all states are required to participate in federal holidays. In that regard, the Board’s response is not unexpected; it simply represents minority sovereignty over a larger dominant power–in this case, the Senate in education law. However, the fact that foreign celebrations, such as Diwali, are prioritized over American holidays exemplifies the hostility many Montgomery County residents have toward their nation.

I understand that for many, celebrating Veterans Day comes off as a celebration of war and America’s unwarranted participation in foreign affairs. Yet, I believe that many of those who did serve did so with good intentions—to represent their nation on an international battlefield. For veterans who were drafted, participation was not a choice; it was either that or incarceration.

Regardless of the current state of our country, the vast partisan polarization and disagreement on both national and international policy, this nation has shaped the lives of many. Immigrants in particular have had opportunities that they wouldn’t have had in their home countries, myself included.

Not celebrating such a prominent holiday reveals a larger issue: how many Americans, especially younger generations, are ashamed of their country. I’ve often heard students mock others for being white or American, calling them “basic” or “uncultured”. 

The struggles that I’ve faced as an immigrant are experiences that I hold dear. Establishing a life in a foreign country is the same experience shared by the predecessors of Americans who take their heritage for granted. America, as we know it, was the result of immigrant populations calling a foreign land their home.

What is most shocking to me is the second or third generation immigrants from non-Western nations, who criticize their residence in the United States. While we may not agree with the politics in this nation presently, we must still acknowledge the gifts that America has given us. 

We forget that the right to speak freely, practice our religion, and vote; the right to due process before the law through fair trial, legal representation and unreasonable searches; the right to vote, lobby, and ask the government to address problems–are all principles that do not exist in many other countries. 

We fail to acknowledge the beauty of the freedom and liberties that this country provides. Present-day America exemplifies the metaphor of Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail. If we are ashamed of embracing our nation’s heritage, we are only harming ourselves. The strength that builds our country up, if not wielded properly, will be the same strength that tears our country apart. 

In a political climate as hostile as now, many are ashamed of the country they see. Many claim that patriotism and political participation will be warranted when our country better serves their needs. Yet, to see improvement in our nation, we must believe in its advancement and support it first. As the late President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.”