Gov Moore delivers patriotic Independence Day speech as Dan Cox focuses on Maryland issues

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Gov. Wes Moore used his Independence Day address Saturday to reflect on patriotism, democracy and national service, but Republicans argued his remarks focused too heavily on broad national themes instead of challenges facing Maryland residents.

Speaking at the Maryland State House, Moore delivered his “Work of Patriotism” speech as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Throughout his address, Moore described patriotism as an ongoing commitment to service, sacrifice and strengthening democracy.

“Patriotism is neither passive nor performative. Patriotism is not selfish, it is selfless,” Gov. Moore said.

Gov. Moore also warned against conflating patriotism with nationalism.

“Today’s version of nationalism asks you to fight for a person or a group. Patriotism wants you to build something bigger than yourself,” he said.

Although Moore briefly acknowledged economic concerns facing Americans, much of his speech focused on broader national themes rather than Maryland-specific policy.

“People worry about our economy, that it will leave them behind. People are watching their children work more, yet earn less,” Gov. Moore said.

Watch Gov. Moore’s full speech below:

Shortly after Moore’s remarks, Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox held a press conference near the Francis Scott Key Bridge, where he criticized the governor’s leadership and shifted the conversation to issues affecting Maryland residents.

“Maryland has become too expensive to live in,” Cox said, criticizing Moore’s administration over taxes, fees and the pace of the Key Bridge reconstruction.

“Too many Maryland families feel their government has become increasingly expensive, increasingly unaccountable, and increasingly disconnected from the people who pay the bills. Maryland has become too expensive to live in for,” Cox said. “Too many families are paying higher taxes, higher fees, the highest electric bills in the nation, higher housing costs, and spending more time stuck in traffic because government has lost its sight of the most basic responsibility, including that bridge behind us that is yet to be built.”

Cox announced what he described as a four-priority plan focused on lowering the cost of living, restoring public safety, increasing government accountability and accelerating construction of a replacement for Key Bridge.

“Today I am announcing my plan for Maryland, which is recovery and renewal, a common-sense plan built on four priorities: affordability, public safety, accountability, and rebuilding. Maryland’s economy and infrastructure,” Cox said.

“First, build the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Fast and strong. Nothing better illustrates the difference between the current administration and the leadership of the Cox Crop Administration that we propose, because we will bring leadership that will build the Francis Scott Key Bridge here at the great port of Baltimore,” he said.

Watch Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox’s full speech below:

The contrasting messages highlighted two different approaches to the holiday: Moore focused on patriotism, democracy and national identity, while Cox emphasized state issues including affordability, taxes, and rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.