In April, we marked the 250th anniversary of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” This event has sparked a call to action as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
I think, for many of us, it’s not really forgetfulness that poses a challenge when it comes to celebrating this milestone. Instead, there’s a certain uncertainty around our perception of the country.
So, where does this confusion stem from? Historian Allen Guelzo attributes it to “the polarization and irony of these times,” and I suppose he has a point. As he notes, both sides—left and right—contribute to this dynamic. But it seems the left faces a unique challenge when it comes to this anniversary. Historian Beverly Gage points out that rejecting traditional markers of patriotism has become, well, almost fashionable, whether that’s kneeling during the national anthem or critiquing the country’s founding figures due to their ties to slavery.
Interestingly, even those on the left who typically display the flag tend to frame American patriotism as a question. Gage captures this sentiment well: it’s “a conversation about what makes America great, if anything.”
This perspective contrasts sharply with President Trump’s recent push for patriotic education through a presidential order. Here, there’s no room for ambiguity—this kind of education emphasizes the “concept of American greatness and celebrating our history,” painting a much more confident picture.
Yet, I have to wonder, is it possible to bring together these two views to find common ground and shared goals as we head into next year? It won’t be easy.
James Davison Hunter’s recent writings help shed light on how polarization exacerbates divisions. He discusses what he terms “American hybrid awareness,” suggesting a potential to reconcile secular enlightenment principles with traditional Protestant values. It seems this approach could help address some of the inconsistencies plaguing our political environment.
And honestly, even the foundational ideas of our nation are up for debate in this heated climate. Discussions surrounding “justice, fairness, freedom, and equality” become tools in the ongoing cultural warfare. The idea of the “pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness” ends up being co-opted by various factions.
In this atmosphere, teaching patriotism becomes quite tricky, as recent surveys have shown. Only about half of American history teachers consider “instilling pride in citizenship” to be a crucial goal, and a mere 39% believe in fostering appreciation for America as an exceptional nation.
Jane Kamensky, President of Monticello, pointed out last year that patriotism became almost taboo in classrooms during the 1960s when it started to feel too close to religion, which led to its decline in educational settings.
The concept of civic religion often seems to align more with conservative values, but many on the left are coming to realize the importance of civic education—albeit in a way that diverges from the Trump administration’s framework. Gage provocatively asks progressives to consider, “Why not embrace it? Want to fly your hat and flag?”
More recently, a report from the Progressive Policy Institute encourages schools to highlight the unique aspects of America and suggests community service initiatives that cultivate patriotism in youth. While their approach may differ from other perspectives, they emphasize that “sound constitutional democracy always calls for reflexive patriotism.”
So, what’s the path forward? How can we come together on this impending anniversary? I guess we can start by revisiting the Declaration of Independence.
As Daniel Allen notes, “There’s no quick fix for our political challenges,” but he believes every adult should engage deeply with the declaration. Yale political scientist Stephen Smith also emphasizes that “patriotism can only be taught through a thorough understanding of our founding texts.”
As we prepare for a 250th birthday celebration, I think it’s wise to take this advice to heart. Let’s read those impactful words slowly, discuss them, reflect on their significance, and truly see what they mean to the fabric of our shared American identity.
