Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Marine veteran Dakota Meyer recently described New York City as a “patriotic city,” commending the pride and respect he witnessed from its residents during his visit. Meyer, who received the nation’s highest military honor for his bravery during the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan, said New Yorkers’ appreciation for veterans left a lasting impression on him.
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Page Six doesn’t spend a lot of time speaking with people in the armed forces. But we should do it more often — not only is it an honor, it turns up some surprising things as well.
For one, we were surprised to hear Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer call our city “patriotic.” Meyer is in town for the Veterans Day parade — which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the Marines — and we asked him how he enjoys visiting the Big Apple.
“It’s definitely a patriotic city — they love their veterans,” Meyer told us.
At a time when most Americans seem to view New York as some kind of bizarre Broadway revival of the USSR, the phrase is almost a shock.
“I think that’s the politics side of it. I definitely don’t think New York’s politics represents its people. I think the people up there are genuine, hardcore, they’re hard people, they’re some of the toughest people this country has, they’re patriotic, they love this country for sure,” Meyer said. Gee, thanks!
“New York gets a lot of labels,” Meyer said, “but what I’ve seen here is a city full of pride for our country. There’s a deep respect here that reminds me of what America is all about.”
Known for his advocacy for veterans, mental health awareness, and national unity, Meyer often speaks about the importance of recognizing sacrifice and service. He noted that patriotism isn’t limited to small towns or rural communities — it thrives in America’s largest cities, too.
He was awarded the highest military honor in 2011 by President Barack Obama for his extrordinary bravey during the Battle of Ganjigal in the Kunar Province of Afganistan in 2009.
After his fellow soliders were ambushed, Meyer returned to the ambush area multiple times to save his US comrades and Afgani allies and to help recover the bodies of soliders killed in the assault.
It’s believed he saved dozens of lives.
“The people here make you feel proud to have served,” he added. “It’s a reminder that patriotism is alive and well everywhere — even in a city as busy as New York.”
Meyer continues to travel the country sharing his story and inspiring Americans to come together through gratitude, respect, and service. His praise for New York underscores that American patriotism can be found in every corner of the nation — from small towns to big cities.
