Independence Day and America 250!

Starting today, and continuing through July 4^th  2026, we celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary, a monumental milestone for our country.

As of today, we are officially celebrating America 250, but we have technically been in America 250 for a couple months now.  

America 250 flag

The first day of the Revolutionary War was 19 April 1775, 250 years + two-and one-half months ago. On that date, the Massachusetts colonists defied British authority on Concord’s Old North Bridge. Known as the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and fought in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Menotomy, and Cambridge, these battles were the first major military actions between Great Britain and the patriot militias from the Thirteen American Colonies.  

The colonists’ victory resulted in an outpouring of support for the anti-British cause.

Tensions had been building between the colonists and the British authorities for over ten years. Great Britain had enacted a series of acts to raise revenue from the Colonies and the colonists protested the “taxation without representation.”

In 1774, after the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, King George III shut down Boston Harbor until the colonists paid for tea they dumped overboard the previous year. Soon after, the British Parliament declared that Massachusetts was in open rebellion.

On the night of 18 April 1775, British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize an arms cache. Paul Revere, William Dawes Jr, and other riders sounded the alarm that mobilized the colonial militiamen. Fighting began at Lexington and the British retreated under intense fire.

The Revolutionary War had begun.

On this day, 249 years ago, July 4^th 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Next year marks the 250^th anniversary of that event.

America 250!  

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. –Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence.

After many battles, in 1783 the colonists formally won their independence.

And, as if that isn’t enough history, our country recently celebrated another 250^th anniversary. On 14 June 2025, which happened to be Flag Day, the U.S. Army celebrated their 250^th Birthday. The Continental Army was formed in 1775 in the fight for American independence.

“Before there was a United States, there was an Army.”

What a rich history our country has and such an exciting, historic time for America.

What a great time to celebrate our country and show our patriotism.

Have a fun, safe, and patriotic Fourth of July holiday.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 249th Birthday, America!