The What Do You Love About America Day, observed in the United States around the end of November (typically 6 days after the third Thursday in November) each year, is a reflective and heartfelt holiday that invites people to pause and consider what makes America meaningful—whether it’s personal freedoms, local communities, family traditions, or the small day-to-day moments of life.
Table of Contents
History of What Do You Love About America Day
History of What Do You Love About America Day
The holiday appears to have been introduced fairly recently as a light-hearted but sincere observance promoted by U.S. “day-of” calendars and gratitude-themed initiatives. Although it is not an official federal holiday, it has gained recognition among individuals, families and community groups who enjoy taking a moment to appreciate what they value about America.
The date follows a clear rule: it is observed 6 days after the third Thursday in November, placing it naturally within the season of reflection, homecomings and gratitude that surrounds late November. This timing makes the day an easy and meaningful addition to the period when many people are already gathering, slowing down and thinking about what home and community mean to them.
Why is What Do You Love About America Day important?
This observance is important because it encourages personal reflection and appreciation of the aspects of America that might often go unnoticed. In a time of sound bites and polarization, the holiday offers a gentler frame: what do you love, what qualifies as “home,” what gives your life roots and meaning in the American context. By doing so, it fosters gratitude, connection, and community-spirit.
It also prompts people to think beyond grand symbols and look to everyday contributions, local leaders, cultural traditions, and the values they hold dear.
- It invites individuals to identify what they personally value about America—freedom, opportunity, diversity, or local community.
- It shifts the focus from mere Patriotism to personal meaning: why this country, this place, this community matters.
- It gives room to express gratitude—not only for national institutions, but for personal relationships and places.
- It fosters conversations across generations about what “America” means in different contexts, including for immigrants, long-time residents, or those growing up in the U.S.
- It acts as a gentle reminder that appreciation can be an active decision and that gratitude strengthens bonds in families and communities.
How to Observe What Do You Love About America Day
You can mark this day in simple but meaningful ways—by sharing stories, by listening, by engaging your community, by reflecting on your own journey in the U.S. It’s not about fireworks or grand displays, but about authenticity, connection, and gratitude. Choose to do something that helps you identify a favorite part of America and share that with someone.
- Write or speak aloud one thing you love about America—this year—and why it matters to you.
- Invite family or friends over (or connect virtually) and ask everyone, “What do you love about America?” Share and compare the answers.
- Visit a local place that you love (park, monument, community center, small business) and take a moment to appreciate why it feels meaningful.
- Use social media to post a short reflection or photo using the hashtag #WhatDoYouLoveAboutAmericaDay.
- Reach out to someone—perhaps someone new, or someone whose story you don’t know—and ask them what they love about America, then listen without judgment.
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a holiday again!