Reflecting on America’s Future as it Approaches its 250th Birthday
My days revolve around the chaos of three young children—packing lunches, racing between soccer fields and dance studios, wiping noses, and instilling values. Like many mothers, I fall into the comforting rhythm of bedtime stories, little prayers, and daydreams about summer. Yet, with America set to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, I can’t help but wonder: What kind of country are my kids growing up in? How can fellow millennial moms guide the next generation to understand, appreciate, and uphold this nation’s ideals?
This anniversary presents a significant opportunity. America 250 challenges us to teach our children why this country deserves affection. It’s not flawless, but it’s where a family like ours can dig in, nurture offspring, and hope for a brighter future. The fabric of this nation is woven from threads of liberty, resilience, and aspiration, making it a unique experiment in human freedom. The Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the Constitution all lay the groundwork that allows my children to grow up free, express themselves, and pursue their dreams.
As a millennial mother from Florida, married to an immigrant, I’ve witnessed the American Dream firsthand. My husband arrived from Paraguay as a child. With sheer determination and hope, his parents labored tirelessly without expecting handouts. Their grit and belief in this country provided him a chance for a better life, and he has since carved out a promising future for our family. His success serves as a daily reminder to our kids that genuine opportunity exists for those who are willing to work for it. His story is far from exceptional; he embodies the experience of millions of legal immigrants who have enriched our society through perseverance. Miami-Dade’s history mirrors America’s narrative of diversity and innovation, showcasing the potential of a future built on shared values.
However, many in my generation learned more about America’s flaws than its strengths, a trend that seems persistent. A Gallup poll indicates a decline in American pride, with only 41 percent of Gen Z expressing strong pride in being American—much lower than millennials (58 percent) or older generations. A growing number of young individuals feel that America needs “significant change” and view it as an unjust society.
When the Founding Fathers are seen more as villains than visionaries, we risk cultivating leaders detached from our founding principles. According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 13 percent of eighth-grade students are proficient in U.S. history, and just 22 percent are proficient in civics, with a notable drop from 34 percent in 2018 for those who scored below basic. This lack of civic knowledge presents a challenge, as it often leads to lower engagement, voting, and volunteering. Emphasizing quality civic education, focused on constitutional principles and honest historical narratives, is crucial to reversing this trend.
Florida is stepping up with events and initiatives that highlight true history, civic pride, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Organizations like Moms for Liberty, in collaboration with Freedom 250, are providing families with tools to engage in shaping their children’s education. We can encourage our kids to appreciate both the triumphs and the challenges and to feel pride in their country without ignoring its imperfections. It begins at home—reading the Declaration together, sharing family tales, visiting historic landmarks, and illustrating that in America, hard work and grand dreams truly count.
Let’s make the most of this 250th anniversary by nurturing a genuine love for this country. As millennial mothers, we hold the power to raise a generation of informed and proud Americans, one bedtime story and kitchen-table conversation at a time.
