As 2026 dawns, we stand at the threshold of a remarkable milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States. It began with a bold declaration, a seed of liberty planted on July 4, 1776, that would blossom into a nation.
For nearly two decades, I’ve been captivated by the true stories of our nation’s founding. It began with an invitation to write a book exploring the faith and courage of those who fought for independence, a period that unexpectedly coincided with my own journey into motherhood and a period of necessary bed rest.
Initially, I approached the era with a healthy skepticism. Was the veneration of figures like George Washington justified? Could the struggles of 1776 truly resonate with modern life? I soon discovered that while technology evolves, the fundamental desires of the human heart – for love, acceptance, and freedom – remain timeless.
Delving into original sources – letters, diaries, firsthand accounts – became my priority. I wanted to form my own understanding, unfiltered by modern interpretations. What emerged was a profound respect for the founders, and particularly for Washington, whose leadership was instrumental in securing our independence.
Washington wasn’t simply a general; he was a man who evolved. He grappled with the inherent contradiction of slavery, a practice he ultimately rejected. He ceased buying and selling enslaved people and, in a groundbreaking act for his time, provided for their emancipation in his will, a testament to his growing moral conviction.
Yet, this vital history is fading. A startling 87% of eighth graders lack proficiency in American history. This isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a cultural crisis, a dangerous void where misinformation and distorted narratives take root.
We are starving for truth, for a balanced understanding of our past. It’s time to move beyond the demonization of historical figures and embrace a narrative that acknowledges both the triumphs and the failings of our nation’s story.
My hope for this year is simple: rediscover the stories of our founding. Immerse yourself in the era through documentaries, museum visits, historical reenactments, or simply by reading a book. Let these stories inspire a renewed appreciation for the principles upon which our nation was built.
One powerful portrayal of this era is found in the docudrama, “The American Miracle,” a film that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans during the Revolution. It’s a reminder that the fight for liberty was a collective effort, fueled by a shared vision of a better future.
Washington understood that unity wasn’t about erasing differences, but about transcending them. He believed that our shared identity as Americans, born of common struggles and triumphs, should always take precedence over local or ideological divides.
He urged his fellow citizens to let the name “American” inspire a “just pride of patriotism.” That call to unity resonates just as powerfully today, as it did 250 years ago.
The seed of liberty planted in 1776 has weathered storms and flourished. Now, it’s our responsibility to nurture that growth, to cultivate a love of country that will allow future generations to celebrate this nation for centuries to come.
