What It Will Take to Preserve Another 2 1/2 Centuries and Beyond

Jennifer London | May 15, 2025

(The Washington Times) — As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, plans are underway across the country to celebrate this momentous milestone. Cities are launching educational initiatives, historic landmarks are preparing for record tourism from people all over the world, and national organizations are working on tributes to our founding ideals.

Before we raise our flags and sing our anthems in celebration, we must pause in gratitude. Long before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, another milestone made all the others possible: the founding of America’s military.

In June, our nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army, established by the Second Continental Congress and led by Gen. George Washington. That ragtag group of farmers, blacksmiths and patriots stood against the most powerful empire in the world. They fought not for territory or treasure but for the radical belief that a free people could govern themselves unshackled from a monarchy that ruled over their lives and livelihoods.

Without that army — underfed, underequipped and outnumbered — the idea of America might never have become a reality. Their courage in battle gave force to our founding documents. Their sacrifice secured our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

This May, during Military Appreciation Month and with Memorial Day just ahead, we have a sacred opportunity to reflect on what it took to found this country and what it will take to preserve it for another 250 years. As President Kennedy said, “There is little that is more important for the American citizen to know than the history and traditions of his country. … With such knowledge … he draws … from the cumulative experience of the past and the cumulative vision of the future.”

Although America is the world’s oldest surviving constitutional republic, the American experiment is not self-sustaining. It requires each generation to be willing to sacrifice, to serve and to uphold the principles entrusted to us by those who came before. Memorial Day is not just a time to remember the fallen; it’s also a call to the living, a reminder that liberty comes with responsibility.

As the founder of National American History and Founders Month, I believe the story of our nation cannot be told without first honoring those who fought for its very existence.

The military’s role in shaping America didn’t end with the Revolution. Over the past 250 years, generation after generation has taken up the call to defend our freedoms. From the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam and every conflict in between, America’s service members have helped preserve and extend the promise of liberty.

As we approach 2026, I urge every American, especially our leaders, educators and community organizations, to begin the 250th celebration not on July 4 but in May, remembering that “the shot heard round the world” took place 250 years ago last month, marking the start of the American Revolution. Let us start by honoring the institution that gave birth to our country and has protected it ever since. With events like the 2025 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington drawing national attention, this is the moment to renew our understanding of what service and sacrifice truly mean.

We can understand the meaning of America’s 250th only if we first understand the cost. That understanding begins with a salute to the men and women, past and present, who have worn the uniform, not just as soldiers but also as defenders of the very idea of America.

They made our independence possible. We owe them our gratitude, and we owe them our remembrance.

Jennifer London is the founder of the National American History and Founders Month Organization.