AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY – GUEST ESSAY BY WALTER ISACKSON
When Thomas Jefferson Having completed the first draft of the future Declaration of Independence, he sent it Benjamin Franklin on the morning of Friday, June 21, 1776. “Will Dr. Franklin,” he wrote in the accompanying note, “suggest such changes as his expanded view of the subject would dictate?”
Over the next 10 days, the editorial committee made edits and adjustments. Most notable was the creation of an abrupt second sentence. Other nations arose through conquest and rebellion, usually based on tribal or religious identity.
But the United States was born from an ideal which it proclaimed in memorable words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
This may be the greatest proposal ever created by human hand.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation he gave birth to, we are becoming increasingly polarized. But birthdays can be a time to put aside differences and celebrate who we are with gratitude. One way to lower the temperature is to re-evaluate the proposition that has become our shared creed and mission.
ON THE CALENDAR
No birthday party compares to a 250th anniversary. This weekend, Americans will come out in red, white and blue for barbecues, fireworks, parades and more in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Charlotte and everywhere in between. Happy birthday America.
In the Big Apple, “the world’s largest fleet of sailing ships” from more than 20 countries will sail down the Hudson River through New York Harbor on the Sail250 ferry. And in Coney Island, the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest returns for its 111th year. More/less, as always, causes nausea.
The Fourth Capitol Concert took place in Washington DC, featuring Patti LaBelleKool & The Gang and the National Symphony Orchestra are joining the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and the Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. A full-fledged dance card, even by DC standards.
In Atlanta, runners will race 10 kilometers along the Peachtree Road Race. And if you’re not very fleet of foot, the best sign is a $100 gift card.
Out West, the Napa Valley Festival’s summer season kicks off this weekend with opera, jazz bands and a food garden showcasing the best of Napa. There’s no better way to spend a summer evening.
And on the field: today the 1/8 finals of the World Championship end, and the 1/8 finals begin. Argentina faces tiny but mighty Cape Verde; Canada and Morocco will meet tomorrow; and Norway host Brazil on Sunday.
And on Monday night in Seattle, the Americans take the field with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake. Not a bad way to call the next 250.
LETTERS FROM OUR READERS
In today’s special episode, we asked you about your favorite Fourth of July traditions. Here’s what the Tea Community says:
My mother’s birthday was July 4, 1924. She has always been a proud Yankee Doodle Dandy and a proud American. Dad, a World War II veteran, always dressed in red, white and blue every Fourth of July, from hat to socks, for both the country and his wife. There was always a barbecue, family and everyone who stopped by. Fun times that we still honor!
—Doug L., Charlotte, North Carolina
Every 4th of July, my father and his American Legion friends would start the day with a flag raising ceremony downtown, then they would all march in the town parade, and finally end the day with the town’s fireworks display. They did this tirelessly and with great pride year after year. These true blue patriots taught me everything I needed to know about being an American. On Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, this group of Americans taught the entire city that being a proud American does not mean wearing red, white and blue or screaming at the top of your lungs, but rather quietly caring for those who may need a helping hand. Now they are all gone, but the memory of what they did has remained with me all my 78 years. Happy Birthday, America!
— Anonymous
One of my fondest memories is with my father on July 4, 1976, America’s Bicentennial. As an experienced pyrotechnician, he was tasked with creating fireworks from a barge off the coast of Long Beach, California. It was a breathtaking spectacle that lit up the sky for hundreds, perhaps thousands of spectators.
Standing there and watching, I couldn’t be prouder. Seeing my father’s talent and hard work bring so much joy to so many people is a memory I will carry with me forever. He loved this country and was very proud to celebrate its history that day.
PS He has been a lifelong Democrat, and knowing him as I do, there is no doubt that he would never vote for Trump.
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— Roseanne H., Canoga Park, California
Growing up, every year my little mountain community of Crestline in Southern California held a parade, and I was so excited that I finally got to ride a horse in it, much to my mother’s chagrin because she was walking next to me!
—Kelly M., Temple, Texas
The fourth parade was in Houlton, Maine, and it snowed that day.
—Johnny L., Norwich, CT
July 4, 1976 found me in Zurich, Switzerland, celebrating the holiday with other Americans working overseas. Some of my new friends were from the American South, and some, like me, were from the North. The highlight of the evening was walking through the streets competitively singing “I Wish I Was in Dixie” and “Yankee Doodle” at the top of their lungs.
— Monique N., Branford, CT
Visit Gettysburg National Park on Independence Day 2025.
Outside of an active military base, I can think of only one place where you consistently see license plates from all over the country. Our national battlefields. Blue states and red states. East Coast and West Coast. “Flyover states” of the Midwest and Massachusetts. Apparently the wealthy and those who are probably experiencing difficulties.
But in a sense, visiting Americans are on the same path, trying to understand why and who they are; not necessarily for who they are, but for who they are in the larger collective puzzle of being American.
Where else will you see a rusted-out Midwestern truck parked next to a brand new BMW with New York plates? Or a big truck from Mississippi driven by a Southerner with a cigar and a Confederate flag in the window next to a minivan from New Hampshire filled to the ceiling with children, bicycles and an exhausted father?
(I watch my father having a short, friendly conversation with a Mississippian. He climbed Little Round Top, rested his hands on his hips, took a deep breath, and looked out over Death Valley below him. I felt his stress subside, as if he had gained a new understanding of life and what is truly important in it, given the great context before him.)
People from completely different corners, abilities and incomes, standing on the same piece of land for which their grandfathers fought. Our common history. There is a quiet but confident force in these places that unites Americans every day. The earth remembers who we are. It’s time for us too.
— Adam B., Mount Pleasant, New York
MEET YOU IN THE MORNING, JOE
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Joe Scarborough
Former Rep. Joe Scarborough, R-Fla., co-hosts MS NOW’s “Morning Joe” with Mika Brzezinski, a show Time magazine calls “groundbreaking.” In addition to his television career, Joe is a two-time New York Times bestselling author. His latest book is “The Right Way: From Ike to Reagan, How Republicans Once Mastered Politics—and Can Again.”
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