The Start of America’s 250th Anniversary
You’d think the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary would feel like a momentous occasion. It really should be. Yet, as John Adams put it, “From one end of this continent to the other, it will continue to be solemnized in pompous parades, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”
Currently, however, many Americans seem rather down on themselves. Ironically, the world seems quite impressed with America lately.
Despite this, the vibe surrounding 2026 feels somewhat subdued. Celebrations for the 250th anniversary have mostly gone unnoticed or been tangled up in broader partisan debates. I attended a local “America250” lecture at my library, and it quickly turned into a lecture about the “1619 Project,” with a history professor rather aggressively voicing his opinions to a handful of seniors.
Weekend Tensions
Over the weekend, a discussion erupted about the celebrations, ignited by former MSNBC host Joy Reid, who stirred some serious controversy on social media. She described July 4th as merely a “celebration of freed slaveholders.” Her words struck a chord: “Independence Day is yours, not mine. You may rejoice. I must mourn.”
This sentiment reflects some troubling statistics as well. A recent YouGov poll indicated that the percentage of individuals who feel “proud to be American” has dwindled to 83%. By last month, that number fell further to 70%, with particularly sharp declines among Democrats (58%) and those aged 18 to 29 (56%). Notably, 40% of respondents believe that the best days for America are behind it. Meanwhile, 62% say they don’t support their country unconditionally and recognize that there are serious “problems” needing attention.
So yes, ongoing conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, Israel, and Minneapolis have certainly dampened public enthusiasm. Additionally, there’s a growing sentiment of contempt in various workplaces. In a society where figures like Tucker Carlson and Hassan Piker have increasingly criticized American institutions, those who do feel proud of their country may often find themselves feeling isolated or even ashamed. Patriotism has begun to feel hollow and alienating.
A Fragmented Consensus
There’s a likely bipartisan agreement among both the far right and the far left that the established order needs to be dismantled, whether through Marxist revolutions, white supremacy, or religious integration. Strangely, despite their disparate views, they seem to share a fixation on Israel.
Still, while many Americans may feel disheartened, the world has been rather captivated by America lately. In just the past few weeks, numerous events have occurred, and viral clips have shown World Cup fans flocking to cities like Dallas and Boston, where they’ve encountered the generosity of everyday Americans. It’s interesting to note that a generation raised on movies and shows portraying America negatively is now discovering a much richer and more beautiful story.
It’s fascinating how often outsiders seem to articulate American stories more compellingly, whether it’s Tocqueville, Chesterton, Rand, or even John Oliver. Sometimes it feels as if these narratives are more vivid in the hands of those who have experienced life outside the U.S.
Historical Reflection
In his 1957 book, *The American Cause*, Russell Kirk expressed concern over how little postwar Americans understood what they were fighting for. He noted that Vichy French soldiers, who captured American troops in North Africa, were surprised by how “politically naive” these Americans seemed.
Kirk wrote, “While most French people are passionately interested in political concepts, most Americans…are not.” He explained that historically, Americans didn’t engage much in political theory simply because they’d felt relatively satisfied with their society and government. This lack of revolutionary spirit since 1776, while a sign of success, might also lead to ignorance, making future generations less equipped to defend their freedoms and more susceptible to subversion. In times of significant change, this leaves the door open for anti-American sentiments to thrive, breeding discontent both domestically and internationally.
Questions of National Identity
Ronald Reagan poignantly remarked in a 1982 Memorial Day speech that the national anthem ends with a question and a challenge: “Does that flag still wave in the land of the free and the home of the brave?” This is a timeless question for every generation of Americans to confront. As he stated in another speech, “Freedom… does not disappear beyond one generation. It does not belong to us by inheritance. It must be constantly fought for and defended by each generation.”
Will America maintain its status as a beacon for those seeking freedom? That’s an open question, but as George Washington once suggested, things only happen if we are willing to make them happen. Washington recognized that the war for independence was as much about the hearts and minds of the people as it was about military tactics.
Ongoing Responsibility
This struggle for America’s future involves grappling with the beliefs of its citizens. Those who would abandon the American experiment out of despair must recognize that this fight for identity is crucial.
Yet, this doesn’t mean Americans can rest easy. We cannot lose hope or assume our efforts are all in vain. We shouldn’t take for granted that our generation has learned American history mostly through formats like *Hamilton*. Just reading *The Federalist Papers* won’t transform our relationship with foundational ideas like classical liberalism or ethics.
What’s imperative now are meaningful initiatives to combat the radical extremes we face today. This includes establishing new organizations, adopting differing strategies, and reviving trust in a mainstream culture where that confidence has eroded. We need to clarify why trust in our institutions is essential while those institutions strive to earn that trust.
We cannot assume the principles we hold dear are inherently understood. Each concept must be introduced to those encountering it for the first time. If you’re unsure how to start, Kirk’s work is a valuable resource.
There’s still an abundance to love about America. Though it undoubtedly plays a significant role globally, it remains a country of good. Unfortunately, Americans often struggle to evaluate their character accurately. But hope survives—even if it may take a while for soccer fans to fully grasp it.
