In a compelling prelude to Flag Day, Democratic Representatives Pat Ryan and Chris Deluzio took a symbolic step by distributing small American flags to their colleagues on Capitol Hill. This gesture coincided with a contentious moment as Senator Alex Padilla was being arrested in Los Angeles, an event House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries labeled as “unpatriotic.”

The flags, proudly manufactured in Deluzio’s home state of Pennsylvania, were accompanied by a letter emphasizing a bipartisan embrace of patriotism. Ryan, a West Point graduate with combat experience in Iraq, and Deluzio, a U.S. Navy officer, stressed that "The flag, and the values it stands for, belong to every single American."

This move comes at a critical time when Democrats are striving to redefine patriotism in an era dominated by MAGA narratives. With military parades planned for President Trump’s birthday, which coincides with the Army’s 250th anniversary, Democrats see an opportunity to challenge what they view as a misconstrued notion of patriotism.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the parade, comparing it to displays by "failed dictators," highlighting the urgency felt within the Democratic ranks to reclaim national symbols for a more inclusive narrative.

External groups like VoteVets are mobilizing to highlight these differences, with veterans like Senator Mark Kelly leading the charge online. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, also a veteran, emphasized that "patriotism is not something the Democratic Party should concede, because patriotism is not something the Republican Party created."

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared a personal anecdote on Instagram, discussing the flag’s significance with his young daughter, reflecting on the freedoms it represents. His sentiments were echoed by others who see the flag as a unifier rather than a divider.

The Democratic Party boasts a growing roster of veterans aiming for higher office, who may play a crucial role in changing public perception. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a New Jersey gubernatorial nominee and former Navy helicopter pilot, is inspiring a new wave of female veterans to enter the political arena.

As Democrats work to shift the patriotic discourse, they face challenges. Studies indicate that mere exposure to the American flag can sway voter sentiment to the right. However, leaders like Ryan believe that military veterans hold the key to bridging divides, advocating for a patriotism that unites rather than excludes.

JoAnna Mendoza, a retired US Marine and political candidate, voices a common frustration among Democrats, "The Republican Party does not own this country, they don't own the American flag. It belongs to the people." This sentiment captures the essence of the Democratic strategy to reclaim both the flag and the narrative of true American patriotism as they prepare for upcoming electoral battles.