By Dorothy Moon, IDGOP Chairwoman
July 3, 2025
This Friday marks the 249th birthday of the United States of America. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified a document declaring that thirteen British colonies in North America were henceforth independent of Great Britain and absolved of all allegiance to King George III and his Parliament.
For our Founding Fathers, that day marked the culmination of years of suffering, protest, negotiation, deliberation, and even open warfare with their mother country. The decision to declare independence was not made lightly, and our Founders understood the immense risk of such an audacious act.
Yet it was also a beginning—not only of a long war for independence, but of an experiment that gave birth to the greatest nation in the history of the world. The United States of America stood not only for the freedom and liberty of its own people, but became a beacon to the world. As our sixth president, John Quincy Adams, said: “Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be.”
Our nation grew from a collection of thirteen states into the world leader in innovation, industry, science, art, and literature. The Industrial Revolution didn’t begin in America, but we became the most advanced industrial power in human history. It wasn’t an American who invented the automobile, but it was Henry Ford who made it affordable for everyday people.
In 1969, when man first set foot on the moon after eons of gazing up at the sky with wonder, it was an American flag he planted in the lunar soil.
Many have predicted America’s decline over the years. Some historians suggest that the lifespan of great civilizations is around 250 years and that America’s time is coming due.
I disagree.
I believe America’s best days still lie ahead. We’ve had hard times, sure, but one lesson tyrants throughout history have learned the hard way is: never count out the United States of America. Under President Trump’s leadership, manufacturing is returning to our shores, our border is being enforced, and our colleges and universities are beginning to return to education instead of indoctrination.
Over the next year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. This is a time to renew our patriotic spirit and honor the sacrifice and determination of our Founding Fathers. They set the example of selfless statesmanship, and it’s up to us to live up to their ideals.
I look forward to celebrating America 250 with all of you throughout the year.
