2026: 250 Years of American Progress
By Robert Rojas
On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the United States of America free and independent from the United Kingdom. Every July 4th since then, Americans across the country have celebrated with food, drinks, and fireworks.
While there have been Independence Days that have gone down in history as being noisy and extravagant, no Independence Day will be quite as extraordinary as the 250th of our nation. The ‘semiquincentennial’ birthday celebration, as it is being called, represents a huge moment of reflection on the country’s past, present, and future.
When it was founded, the United States was built on powerful ideals. The Declaration of Independence emphasized liberty, self-government, and the belief that individuals possess natural rights. Yet, the promises of 1776 were still incomplete.
Many Americans, including enslaved people, women, and minorities, were excluded from the rights being mentioned. From the very beginning, the nation carried both bold ideals and very clear contradictions.
Over the next 249 years, the United States underwent significant changes. Through constitutional amendments, social movements, and legal reforms, rights were slowly expanded to groups that were once denied full citizenship. Slavery was abolished, voting rights were broadened, and civil liberties were strengthened.
“I think that America is a country that has given so much to its citizens and to the world. The fact it can celebrate having 250 years is huge compared to countries that have lasted for way less time,” said sophomore Rocio Ramirez.
Despite this progress, the United States continues to face challenges such as economic inequality, racial injustice, and political polarization. This continues to shape national discourse, reminding Americans that progress is uneven and fragile.
Acknowledging these problems is not unpatriotic, but reflects a commitment to honesty and accountability. With a milestone so significant as the 250th anniversary on the horizon, reflection is just as important as a celebration.
The United States’ influence extends far beyond its borders. Over time, it emerged as a global power, shaping international politics and breaking away from a centennial streak of isolationist ideals.
Congress passed a law establishing the nonpartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to help plan the 250th anniversary, with many activities, past reflections, and major events in Washington, D.C., and around the country. This commission created America250, which is finally now starting to implement its itinerary for a packed year in 2026.
One event that has drawn national attention is a proposed UFC-style fight scheduled for June 14 on the White House lawn, according to media reports. The date coincides with Flag Day and the president’s birthday.
As the nation looks forward, responsibility increasingly lies with younger generations, including Generation Z. Civic participation, education, and engagement are essential to maintaining democratic institutions. The future of the United States of America is not guaranteed by its age, but by the actions of its people.
“Civic engagement is super important for youth everywhere. Everyone has a voice, and it’s important that they use it. I think that sometimes it can be hard to, but still we should all stand up for what we believe in, and America allows us to,” said sophomore Miguel Vaillant.
According to the America250 Commission, students across the country are being encouraged to submit an essay on what America means to them as a way to bring light to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed.
The semiquincentennial serves as a reminder that democracy requires active involvement and that America is not a finished product but rather a developing story that will always be influenced by all of its citizens. How the United States chooses to address its challenges and uphold its ideals will shape its next century. At 250 years old, the nation still remains a work in progress.
