We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. – Declaration of Independence
The United States will mark its 250th anniversary this year on July 4, 2026–a date to commemorate the original 13 colonies uniting together as one nation. The date honors the nation’s history and its evolution, remembering also the nation’s founding principles and rekindling its hope for its future.
Technically called a semiquincentennial, most Americans simply refer to this anniversary as “America 250.” In fact, a dedicated website for this anniversary–america250.org–has been set up. On it, organizers emphasize their goal: “We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country… and unite us as a nation.”
Senior Jocelyn Brown understands the significance of the occasion. “Celebrating could be important to other people in wanting to honor things–living in this country, making a difference, and [all of the ways it has been ] beneficial for them,” she explains.
Yet, for all that she offers, the United States has never claimed to be perfect. Despite the long history of both shining moments and dark periods, it has always strived to become the “land of the free and home of the brave.”
“It started from small settlements and quickly grew into one of the world’s strongest nations,” notes Senior Jonathan Segura.
With that come growing pains–which are evident from the country’s very inception. Take, for instance, the Declaration of Independence. Although Thomas Jefferson included anti-slavery language in his original draft, it was ultimately removed from the version all know today.
“In his initial draft,” states information on the History website, “Jefferson blamed Britain’s King George for his role in creating and perpetuating the transatlantic slave trade—which he describes, in so many words, as a crime against humanity:
‘He has waged cruel war against human nature itself,’ Jefferson wrote, ‘violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither.’ “
The United States of America missed a second opportunity in 1787 and 1791 to speak out against such injustices through the Constitution and Bill or Rights, respectively.
It wasn’t until the Civil War until these human rights were addressed. President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation led to the 13th Amendment two years later, which abolished slavery entirely. In just four short years more, the 15th Amendment provided voting rights to all, regardless of race.
Segura would love to be able to sit down with Lincoln today to learn what Lincoln was truly thinking during the crisis of the Civil War. This, Segura believes, could provide insights on the world today. “He could share how to handle the pressure leading a divided country, his thoughts on leadership, and his determination to end the war.”
Brown, on the other hand, would deeply love to meet another “inspiration for Black Americans”: Martin Luther King Jr. “I would love to meet him to ask for guidance and how he came to be impacting everyone’s lives!” King led the March on Washington in 1963, which promoted the entire Civil Rights Movement that began under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
As a woman, Brown is also thankful for such suffragists as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who initiated the Women’s Rights Movement in 1878 during the Seneca Falls (NY) Convention. Her efforts eventually led to the 19th Amendment under President Woodrow Wilson in 1920, granting women the right to vote.
Although America isn’t always perfect–and likely never will be–it holds endless opportunities for those who choose to call it “home.”
This is a great year to celebrate and honor how the United States came into existence. Although George Washington and the Founding Fathers might not recognize much of their world today, they could surely continue to recognize the American Spirit that lives on.
Segura is hopeful that the United States will maintain this spirit for generations to come. “I believe the U.S will focus on becoming more united and helping more people succeed.” He also hopes to witness “advancements in education, healthcare, and technology” during his lifetime.
Thus, as the countdown to the 250th anniversary marches closer to July 4, don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate America the Beautiful.
