Facing America’s 250th Anniversary

As we near the 250th anniversary of America, we’re confronted with challenges that transcend politics and individual ambitions.

How should we handle the inheritance we’ve received?

In contemporary discourse, many influential voices urge Americans to overlook their achievements and focus solely on the nation’s flaws.

The emergence of the United States wasn’t a mere coincidence but rather a result of bravery, sacrifice, faith, and blood. Prior to the Constitution, prosperity, or even the formation of a nation, there were those willing to give everything for the sake of freedom.

Risking It All

One such figure was Charles Carroll of Carrollton.

While his name might not be as familiar as Washington’s, Jefferson’s, or Adams’s, Carroll holds a special role in American history. He was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and was likely the wealthiest individual in the colonies. Unlike many individuals who pursue political motives for personal benefit, Carroll had little incentive to oppose British rule.

He already enjoyed wealth, status, and influence. Yet, he chose to sign.

By putting his name on that historic document, he risked losing not just property but his life as well. The potential repercussions of a failed revolution were dire. Nevertheless, he signed because he believed in principles that outweighed personal safety.

These principles? Freedom, autonomy, and human dignity—rights bestowed upon us by God.

A Human Narrative

Throughout our nation’s history, these ideals have been defended repeatedly. From Lexington and Concord to Gettysburg, from Normandy to Afghanistan’s peaks, countless Americans have donned uniforms and taken on the responsibility of safeguarding this cherished country.

Sadly, many of them did not return.

Their sacrifices hold weight for us, too.

The blood spilled by American soldiers isn’t solely honored through parades and patriotic tunes. It’s a privilege for citizens to uphold the freedoms these individuals fought for. It’s vital to acknowledge our history honestly, treasure the liberties we’ve been given, and ensure they are preserved for future generations.

This conviction inspired me to pen “The Unlikely Life of Oliver Atkinson: A Novel of America’s Founding.”

Many of us are concerned that the founding narrative is becoming increasingly obscure, particularly for younger Americans. Often, history appears in textbooks, reduced to dates, names, and facts. But at its core, history is profoundly human. It encapsulates dreams, fears, courage, faith, and sacrifice.

The American Revolution extends beyond mere historical events.

It’s a deeply human story.

Through my story, I aspired for readers to discover the past through the eyes of everyday individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by remarkable circumstances. My intentions transcended mere storytelling; I aimed to create a lasting memory.

For nations that forget their own histories risk losing their very essence.

Confronting Timeless Truths

In today’s climate, influential voices often encourage Americans to disregard their successes while fixating on their failures. Certainly, the U.S. has never been flawless. No nation is. But there’s a significant difference between recognizing imperfections and dismissing the core principles that enable self-correction.

The Declaration of Independence famously asserts that all individuals are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights by their Creator. The Constitution established a well-ordered framework of freedom, representing one of humanity’s most significant political accomplishments.

These concepts weren’t perfect simply because their authors weren’t perfect.

They were impactful because they resonated with eternal truths about human nature, liberty, and the origins of our rights.

Challenges as We Approach 250

As we move toward this landmark anniversary, perhaps our greatest challenge lies in determining if we still embrace those truths.

Will we safeguard the freedoms we’ve been granted?

Will we teach our children the significance of history?

Do we honor the sacrifices made by our forebears?

Or will we be the generation that squanders the legacies others fought so hard to build?

The signers of the Declaration vowed their lives, fortunes, and sacred reputations. Numerous soldiers gave even more.

The issues facing America today may be less dire by comparison, yet they remain significant.

Will we prove ourselves deserving of their sacrifices?

If we neglect to uphold the values of freedom, truth, faith, and the foundational principles of our nation, we risk losing far more than mere ink on a page. We would waste the blood shed by countless Americans who believed in the worthiness of this republic.

As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, let’s commit to ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain.