Happy 250th, United States of America!

Is it a birthday or an anniversary? I think it is an anniversary.

Here’s why…

A birthday marks another year of life. An anniversary marks the endurance of a commitment through adversity, disagreement, disappointment, and change. My wife and I just returned from Eastern Europe, where we saw castles, churches, and centuries of history. Again and again, we were reminded how fragile freedom and self-government can be.

The country of Hungary stood out. The Austro-Hungarian Empire began as a monarchy ruled by one of the most powerful families in the region. It endured Nazi occupation during World War II, then decades of socialism under Soviet-backed Communist rule. Its history is a reminder that people within any nation can lose their freedom.

America’s system is not perfect, and our history includes failures we should acknowledge. But the idea of a people governing themselves, protected by constitutional limits, individual rights, and the rule of law, remains extraordinary. In fact, it has been a model that many have attempted to copy.

The dangers are real. Excessive nationalism can make people overlook injustice (Nazi Germany). Excessive central control and class envy can crush liberty and opportunity (Soviet Union). Excessive concentration of power or wealth can leave ordinary citizens without a meaningful voice (Habsburgs).

For 250 years, through conflict and change, the United States has endured. That is worth celebrating. It is also worth protecting.

Happy 250th Anniversary, U.S.A. May we remain the UNITED States of America.