Gary Sinise and Carrie Underwood lead stars proud to be American
As the United States prepares for its 250th Fourth of July, Gary Sinise and Carrie Underwood are among Hollywood stars publicly sharing why they are proud to be Americans. Sinise, a lifelong veterans advocate, joins Underwood—whose recent Tennessee flag display went viral—in a wave of celebrity patriotism ahead of the Semi-quincentennial celebration.
With America 250 festivities underway across the country, figures from country music, film, and television are using their platforms to honor service members and reflect on national freedoms. Follow more stories in our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Gary Sinise has supported veterans for decades through the Gary Sinise Foundation and his Lt. Dan Band.
- Carrie Underwood posted a video of 1,800 American flags near her Tennessee property on Instagram.
- Underwood's patriotic posts have drawn praise and criticism amid deep political divisions.
- Stars including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Dennis Quaid have also spoken about American pride.
- July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Why Is Gary Sinise Called One of Hollywood's Most Patriotic Stars?
Gary Sinise is widely regarded as one of the most outspokenly patriotic actors in Hollywood and a celebrated figure within the U.S. Armed Forces. After starring as wounded Vietnam veteran Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 classic "Forrest Gump," the 71-year-old became a passionate advocate for American service members.
Sinise formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2003, which has performed hundreds of free concerts for troops globally on dozens of USO tours. In 2011, he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to support veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families.
In his 2019 memoir "Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service," Sinise wrote: "I love my country and I'm grateful to be an American. I know where my freedom comes from."
What Did Carrie Underwood Share About Loving America?
Carrie Underwood recently put her patriotism on full display in an Instagram post. Last week, the 43-year-old country star shared a video of a massive display featuring 1,800 American flags along a fence near her Tennessee property.
"I can't believe I get to live here. Thank you, Lord. #GodBlessAmerica #Grateful #TN," Underwood wrote in the caption. According to reports, the display was put up by Semler Cattle Company near her home.
Underwood also frequently honors veterans and military families, including sharing annual Veterans Day tributes on social media.
Why Did Carrie Underwood's Flag Video Spark Controversy?
Underwood's patriotic post triggered an unexpected wave of criticism online. Some followers praised her display of patriotism, while others accused her of "performative patriotism" or labeled her as "MAGA," according to reports from Yahoo and CafeMom.
Comments included criticism such as "Wow Americans sure know how to shove patriotism down your throat……. That's a lot" and "How pathetic of you to put up American flags while you support a traitor." Supporters pushed back, with one follower writing that the post was "NOT political" and that loving the nation should not be confused with partisanship.
The backlash was intensified by her January 2025 inauguration performance, which some fans interpreted as a political endorsement.
What Did Carrie Underwood Say About Performing at Trump's Inauguration?
Underwood previously displayed her patriotism in January 2025, when she performed "America the Beautiful" in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda during the inauguration of President Donald Trump. She earned praise when she performed the song a cappella after technical difficulties.
"I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."
That decision drew mixed reactions, with some fans criticizing or boycotting her music while others, including Lee Greenwood, came to her defense.
How Are Other Celebrities Marking America's 250th Anniversary?
According to Fox News, Sinise and Underwood are far from alone. Dolly Parton has said she is "a very patriotic person," while Reba McEntire has supported U.S. troops for decades after launching her career singing the national anthem.
Actors including Dennis Quaid, Chris Pratt, Mark Wahlberg, and Kelsey Grammer have also spoken about American pride. This year's Fourth of July marks the United States' Semi-quincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.