This year, Texas is marking the Fourth of July under a new designation: American Patriotism Month. For the first time, the state is officially recognizing July as a month-long celebration of national pride, liberty, and republican values, following the passage of House Bill 2703.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo), passed without opposition in both chambers of the Texas Legislature. The House approved it 148-0, with two members present but not voting, and the Senate passed it 31-0. Because the measure received more than two-thirds support, it took effect immediately. July 2025 now marks the inaugural American Patriotism Month across the Lone Star State.

Recognizing National Values

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The law states that July is to be a time to “celebrate the United States of America and honor the values and principles on which it was founded.” Texans are encouraged to take part in commemorations that spotlight military veterans, the Founding Fathers, civil rights pioneers, the Apollo astronauts, and the collective resilience Americans demonstrated after the September 11 attacks.

Participation is optional, and while the law suggests “appropriate ceremonies and activities,” it doesn’t impose any mandates on residents or institutions. The goal is to cultivate a shared sense of national identity and pride among Texans.

Support From State Leaders

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the bill’s success in May on social media, highlighting the significance of the legislation. Though the Fourth of July has been a legal holiday in Texas since 1879, this marks the first time an entire month has been dedicated to patriotic reflection. Texas now stands as the only U.S. state with such a designation.

Rep. Raymond, who previously led the charge to include “In God We Trust” on Texas license plates, introduced the bill quietly but received widespread praise from state leaders and proponents of civic education. The bill reflects a broader effort in Texas to formalize public displays of patriotism as part of everyday civic life.

Renaming the Gulf

This year also introduces another symbolic change. Texans can now take their boats out on waters officially renamed the “Gulf of America,” part of another state-approved initiative aimed at reinforcing American identity through geography. That change, like the patriotism month, passed with strong support among Republican lawmakers and gained traction as part of a broader cultural narrative being shaped in the statehouse.

As fireworks illuminate the skies over Texas this week, residents won’t just be celebrating the anniversary of American independence. They’ll also be ushering in the state’s newest tradition—an officially recognized season of American pride sanctioned by the state itself.