ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered a speech titled "Work of Patriotism" from the State House in Annapolis on July 4, 2026, at 11 a.m. The speech, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, marked the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Moore stated that the day should be one of reverence and reflection. "This is a day of reverence, but it also must be a day of reflection," he said. He defined patriotism as selfless service and distinguished it from nationalism.

Moore paid homage to women who helped enslaved people escape via the Underground Railroad, NAACP lawyers, union workers, nurses, and veterans. "They were patriots and, instead of yielding to the injustices, they fought for freedoms that they themselves might never fully enjoy, because patriotism is not simply pride in what America has been, it is taking ownership for what America can become. That is the work of patriotism. Patriotism is neither passive nor performative. Patriotism is not selfish, it is selfless," Moore said.

The governor differentiated patriotism from nationalism. "Today, there are those who will use patriotism to justify pulling books from schools and rewriting history until it comforts those in power. In reality, that’s not patriotism, that’s nationalism," he said. Moore stated that nationalism puts a target on certain people and gives others someone to blame. He said that starting a war without purpose is not patriotic, and ending one without achievement is not victory.

Moore credited his grandfather with instilling a sense of patriotism in him. Moore served in the 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to Afghanistan, where his grandfather died. He stated that his grandfather gave him a Bible as his last gift. "Inside it, he wrote four words: Have faith, not fear," Moore said.