Welcome to The Newsfeed.

Soon, America turns 250 at a moment when the nation is mired in division, disillusion, and for some, concern about the direction of the country.

For the last few months, we've been asking people, what does patriotism mean to you?

And I've always been proud to say that I was born here in this country, that I have, you know, raised my right hand, you know, the Pledge of Allegiance.

I definitely believe in basically standing up to colonial powers and and declaring our independence.

But also, it was a painful process and a lot of people were hurt along the way.

So patriotism to me is helping people who are suffering from one thing or another, not forgetting our history, remembering the marginalized community that we had to step on, or that were stepped on, to achieve the success this country has had today.

But nevertheless, I still think collectively, it's a beautiful country.

Patriotism for me means to appreciate the rights that you currently have.

Understanding who you are as an American, whether it's through the Constitution, whether it's through diversity, you know?

The United States is a melting pot and there's no specific, actual culture.

Just be proud and appreciative of what the forefathers and those who have fought for you to have these rights and freedoms, and that's mainly our military.

Even to those patriots back on Guam that continue to fight for the United States in the forefront, thank you for all you do.

I appreciate all of you.

It means you deeply embrace the values of your nation in letters of fire written across your heart, rather than simply a flag or simply a statement.

It's not nationalism.

It's that deep belief in the plurality of our nation.

I've lived my life in mostly public service, and I think we can do better.

And I think if we honor our traditional values of inclusivity, democracy and plurality, then we will meet that challenge.

But right now, I'm very worried for the next 250, if we even get there.

It's so hard because I feel like it's evolved so much over time.

I'm someone who was raised to believe in volunteer politics.

I actually am the chair of the 44th Legislative District Democrats and I spend a lot of time volunteering in that aspect.

And to me, patriotism is the ability to criticize your country and the ability to hold two ideals at the same time.

I love the United States.

I love our democracy and I love the country that my family immigrated to.

I absolutely hate where we are right now, and I think that being able to hold those two ideals is something so important, and being able to be motivated to do something about it is patriotism.

Getting out there and organizing pride events is patriotism.

Getting out there and getting people to vote and know what their rights are is patriotism.

Being frustrated and angry and getting neighbors to protect other neighbors who might be targeted by ICE is patriotism.

I believe that the strongest ideals of our country are something that we can't compromise on.

To hear how others answered the question, what does patriotism mean to you, visit CascadePBS.org/TheNewsfeed.

I'm Paris Jackson, thanks for watching.