As Americans prepare to thank past and present military members for their service to the country in celebration Monday Veterans DayA new study identifies the most patriotic cities in the US

Top VA loan provider Veterans United Home Loans surveyed 100 metropolitan areas to determine their patriotism based on factors such as veteran population, presence of VA healthcare facilities and veteran-owned businesses, Google search interest for Veterans Day, and voter turnout rate.

U.S. Army Veteran Anthony Pagano shakes the hand of a well-wisher at DFW International Airport on Friday, May 31, 2024. Pagano and his battalion liberated the Luxembourg city of Vianden during the Battle of the Bulge in 1945. (American Airlines)

Here are the most patriotic cities in the USA, According to Veterans United:

1. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida (iStock / iStock)

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area florida panhandle He earned the top spot on the list largely due to his strong veteran presence. The area is home to Eglin Air Force Base, one of the nation’s largest military bases.

“Patriotism is not just a value, it is a way of life in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin,” said Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight for Veterans United.

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The metro area has a 17.6% veteran population, more than 700 veteran businesses, and voter turnout in the 2020 election was 78%; This rate is well above the national average of 66%.

The community hosts an annual Veterans Day parade in Fort Walton Beach and a wreath-laying ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery that honors fallen soldiers and brings the community together to commemorate their sacrifice.

2. Spokane, Washington

View along the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington. (iStock / iStock)

Second in the rankings is Spokane, Washington, which has one of the highest concentrations in the country. veterans owned businesses It numbers more than 1,850 and is close to Fairchild Air Force Base, a major part of the region’s economy and a central hub for military families.

The county also scored high for voter turnout (81.82% for the county in 2020) and availability of VA healthcare, with multiple VA facilities including the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center.

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Spokane hosts many veteran appreciation events for Veterans Day and honors heroes at other times of the year with events such as the Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

3. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado (iStock / iStock)

Colorado Springs ranked third on the list of the most patriotic metropolises. The region is home to many important places military facilitiesIncluding the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, as well as the private VA network of healthcare resources.

Approximately 17% of the region’s population is veterans or active-duty members, and there are more than 1,700 experienced entrepreneurs in the metro.

After the board of directors of the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade announced last month that it would cancel the 2024 event this year due to concerns about rising costs and declining attendance, massive public outcry over the decision and vows of support led to the event’s revival.

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Days later, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced that the parade would go ahead and called on the community to make it “the biggest and best ever.”

“Here’s my call to action to the community: I call on every Colorado Springs resident and citizen to join us in full force for this year’s Veterans Day Parade,” Mobolade said at a press conference. According to KXRM-TV. “Let’s line the streets, wave our flags, and cheer for our heroes. Let’s make this parade a resounding tribute to the men and women who served our nation with courage and distinction. Let’s show that Colorado Springs is a world-class city. Let’s celebrate its veterans not just with their words, but with their actions.” It also honors.”

4. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin (iStock / iStock)

According to the rankings, the fourth most patriotic city in the United States is Madison, Wisconsin; this is due in large part to the metro’s high civic engagement and support of veterans, despite its lower veteran population.

Wisconsin’s capital city had an 89.3% voter turnout in 2020, and despite having a veteran population of only 4.8%, there are eight VAs in the community healthcare facilities is highly proportional to the share of current and past service members living in the area.

There aren’t many military bases near Madison, but it is home to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah (iStock / iStock)

Rounding out the top five is Salt Lake City, which, like Madison, is a city known for strong community engagement and solid support systems for veterans despite its low veteran population.

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The state of Utah had a record 90.1% voter turnout in 2020, and Salt Lake City has more than 1,280 veteran businesses.

The area is home to the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center and hosts a variety of Veterans Day events, including the annual Veterans Day Parade, galas, and ceremonies.