PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Most people in this country still believe in the "American Dream," according to a survey released Thursday by the group organizing the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The poll was conducted for the America250 Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
The survey showed that 92% of Americans want to make the country a better place to live. 81% of those surveyed associate America with freedom, followed by opportunity (80%) and hard work (76%).
The survey asked people what they are hopeful for.
In the survey, 38% mentioned working for a better future, while 23% simply wanted a divided country to get along and be more accepting.
KYW Newsradio spoke with visitors to the Liberty Bell, and many expressed a desire for more unity.
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“I hope we can come back to a place where we respect one another, even when we have differences of opinion,” eastern Michigan resident Phil Burkett said.
“We’ve gotten away from kindness. We’ve gotten away from liking each other and accepting each other,” said Sharon Richards of Orange County, California.
“Liking each other and accepting each other and just loving each other. That’s what our forefathers came here and founded this country on."
“I really do feel like people, by and large, are kind and generous and hopeful,” Richards said. “But I think we need to take a minute and step back and remember that.”
The survey accompanies the launch of an ad campaign promoting the semiquincentennial in five years.