250 years ago today the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which set off the chain of events that would result in the founding of the United States of America. So much has been written about this revolutionary era and more will be written as it continues to be researched and studied into the future so for the sake of brevity I won’t enumerate any of it here. What I will say is that I believe in the hopeful ideals of freedom and articulation of rights that were the aspiration for the nation’s founding even though they were at odds with the realities of the times.
I was five going on six at the time of the bicentennial of 1976. At that young age I wasn’t aware of current events but I remember there was more celebrating of USA’s milestone birthday back then compared to now. By 1976 the US had gone through Vietnam, Watergate, riots, assassinations, and permanent changes that tore us from the past. After all the divisiveness most people wanted something to celebrate, and as things were stabilizing the 200th birthday of the nation seemed like a time to rebound from the malaise. This year’s observance of the 250th birthday feels more somber, like a vortex from which we have yet to escape, but I believe we will prevail.
The fight for a better way of life has been around probably for as long as people have walked the earth, and it will continue after this time passes. Tonight I will drink a toast to my country and to the people who have fought and continue to fight the good fight for a better nation and a better tomorrow.
©2026 Robert Kirkendall
Image from fireworkscrazy.co.uk
Robert Kirkendall 