Amidst declining national pride, a unique community in North Carolina is taking a stand, asking residents to embrace American values and display the nation's flag. 1776 Gastonia, a retirement community near Charlotte, is the brainchild of developer Brock Fankhauser, who envisions a neighborhood where patriotism is not just a sentiment but a way of life.
Recent polls reveal a concerning trend: national pride is at a historic low. A Gallup poll showed only 39% of adults express extreme pride in being American. Fankhauser believes patriotism requires effort and aims to foster a sense of national unity within his community.
1776 Gastonia, catering to residents aged 55 and above, integrates patriotic principles into its foundation. Great American Homes, the developer, requires residents to pledge allegiance to fundamental American values and uphold the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A commitment to the neighborhood's future and mutual respect among residents are also emphasized.
Each home purchase includes an American flag, which residents are required to display. Fankhauser views the flag as both a symbolic and valuable architectural element, contributing to the community's aesthetic and property values. While there are no strict penalties for non-compliance, the emphasis is on mutual agreement and shared values.
The community has garnered significant interest, with nearly 200 inquiries received even before the official listing of its 43 homes. This far surpasses the typical interest seen in other developments by the same company. Fankhauser attributes the high demand to the unique patriotic focus of 1776 Gastonia.
With an anticipated completion date in 2024, 1776 Gastonia has the potential to become a model for similar communities across the nation. Fankhauser hopes the project's success will revitalize patriotism and pave the way for constructive dialogue on important national issues. He envisions a future where healthy debates about policy and governance can thrive within a shared sense of national pride.
Fankhauser acknowledges the limited influence of a single community but believes 1776 Gastonia can contribute to reigniting a sense of national unity. He welcomes individuals from all political affiliations, emphasizing that the community's focus is on shared values, not political divisions.
