America 250 anniversary in 2026 celebrates our Revolutionary founding
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New Year’s Day 2026 ushers in the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Our nation’s founders planted the first seed of freedom on July 4, 1776, by adopting the Declaration of Independence. This single act launched our sovereign nation.
About 20 years ago, I began to fall in love with true stories from our nation’s founding. An editor from AMG Publishing asked me to write a book for the “Battlefields and Blessings” series. Since they had already published a 365-day devotional about the Civil War, they encouraged me to choose another conflict, such as World War II or the American Revolution.
I fell into writing “Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War.” I was also pregnant at the time, but was soon put on bed rest after developing early contractions. As it turned out, bed rest gave me plenty of time to research, think, and write before safely delivering my middle son.
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When I started researching, I became skeptical. Was George Washington overrated? Are the stories from 1776 relevant to life today? How can we relate to people who lived 250 years ago?
George Washington, portrait painting by Constable-Hamilton, 1794. From the New York Public Library. (Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
I realized that technology has changed, but the human heart has not. Whether we drive a Tesla or a horse-drawn carriage, the need for love, acceptance and freedom is timeless.
I can’t tell you how transformative studying the American Revolution has been for me. It completely changed my understanding of what the United States is and how it came to be. As a former White House staffer for President George W. Bush, I thought I knew enough about our country and its principles. But the founders’ words embarrassed me.
Early in my research I made a very important decision. I have prioritized original sources such as letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts over the works of modern historians. I’m sorry, I wanted to draw my own conclusions.
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Instead of thinking Washington was overrated, I developed a deep respect and appreciation for his selfless leadership style. If it were not for General Washington’s strength, determination, perseverance, faith and humility, we would not have gained our independence from England. Washington did not seek victory for himself. Rather, he prioritized the needs of his military and the American people over personal accolades.
Likewise, Washington was not a static character. It grew and changed. For example, he went from being born a slave owner to dying a liberator. He grappled with the war and his presidency with the realization that slavery was incompatible with the founding of the country he ruled. For most of its life, it was illegal to free slaves in Virginia. When he returned home and retired, he had time to think. He stopped buying and selling slaves. He later freed his slaves in his will, which was published in full in newspapers across the country following his sudden death in 1799, less than three years into his presidency. Americans knew that Washington freed his slaves.
Why is Washington or America 250 important in 2026? Only 13% of our country’s 8th graders are majoring in American history. This is as scandalous as it is frightening; It’s a flashing red sign that something is very wrong.
Our culture is malnourished by the latest leftist propaganda that demonizes historical figures, destroys or vandalizes their statues, and cancels them on the altar of political correctness.
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We are starving. We desire to absorb healthy perspectives on our history and culture. No one alive today should be fearful or hopeless about America’s future based on the sins of its past. Rather, we need to teach history in a way that is both inspiring and accurate.
I have prioritized original sources such as letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts over the works of modern historians. I’m sorry, I wanted to draw my own conclusions.
My wish for my American friends is that they take some time this year to explore the stories of our nation’s founding. Make it a New Year’s resolution to do at least one thing related to the American Revolution. Watch short videos, documentaries and movies. Attend museums and local celebrations in your city or state. Watch historical reenactments. Choose to read at least one book about the War of Independence. I have nearly 20 books on the market for both adults and children, including four about the American Revolution. I have also recorded several America 250 videos on TikTok and YouTube through America250Jane.
One of the movies that best reflects this spirit of freedom is “American Miracle”. Can be used with: AmericanMiraclemovie.com, This is an inspiring docudrama that I was grateful to participate in as an on-camera storyteller. This fascinating film shows many miraculous moments during the American Revolution. It also advocates a healthy perspective by revealing the heroism of Black Americans during this period.
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We need to remember the words President Washington said as he bid farewell to America in 1796 when he refused to run for re-election. Washington encouraged his fellow Americans to view the differences in their religion, manners, habits, and political principles as “slight.” He didn’t want their differences to hinder their unity. He believed that “the independence and freedom you have are the work of common councils and common efforts of common dangers, sufferings and successes.” After all, Americans had “fought together and won victory” for a common cause.
He wrote: “Citizens, by birth or election, of a common country have the right to intensify your affection for that country. The name AMERICAN, which belongs to you in your national capacity, should always exalt more than any title the just pride of patriotism.” [name] is due to local discrimination [states and cities]”
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If Washington were alive today, he would say the same thing to us, to the unborn millions to whom he calls.
We must remember that our founders planted the seed of freedom not as a full-grown tree, but 250 years ago on July 4, 1776. Despite cultural thorns, droughts and floods, the seed of freedom grew and blossomed over the years, leading to this historic new year. Our job is not just to celebrate this year, but to foster the love of homeland in our culture and ensure that our generations can celebrate it 250 years from now.
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