I was around to celebrate the Bicentennial in 1976, and fifty years later I’m standing tall for the 250th. I always say I want to live to see the Tricentennial, and maybe I will. In the meantime, I’ve been thinking a lot about why I love America as much as I do. Maybe a few of my reasons will resonate with you as well…
The Declaration of Independence – Imagine yourself in 1774, somewhere in the colonies, trying to make a life in the New World while handing over your hard-earned scrip to a king who doesn’t know squat about your day-to-day life—or care. You have no say in how you’re governed, and the King’s men are stationed in every town of note.
Now imagine believing you could stand up to that machine and win your freedom. How would you even begin?
We call them the Founding Fathers now, but back then they were simply landowners and community leaders with ideas about how people might govern themselves. They gathered for months. They discussed, debated, argued, compromised, and eventually agreed on the guiding principles of what an independent nation might look like if freedom was won.
Those men may not have been perfect, but they created a remarkable document that still challenges us to live up to its ideals. To that I say, huzzah!
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land – By which I mean the incredible network of roads that connect us to our neighbors near and far. I’ve driven well over a million miles exploring this country, and I haven’t found a state that’s disappointed me yet.
Some of my favorite road trips include getting my kicks along iconic Route 66, enjoying fresh conch chased with a Rum Runner on Florida’s Overseas Highway through the Keys (U.S. Route 1), making 2 a.m. Waffle House stops while traveling from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Silver Summit, Utah, along America’s ‘Main Street’ (Route 40), and being awed by the breathtaking scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1).
If you’ve never taken a road trip—or it’s been a while—I encourage you to pick a destination, any destination, and head out. America is a beautiful place, and some of its greatest treasures can be found around the next bend in the road.
Us – The American People – We are such a unique country, full of the weirdest, coolest, kindest, strangest, smartest, and most generous people on the planet. While lately it may seem like we’re at odds with each other, the truth is we’re much more alike than we are different.
Most of us want the same basic things: love, laughter, meaningful work, and a little money in our pockets. Rich or poor, we get to chase our dreams, swing for the fences, and reach for the stars.
We cheer for underdogs, celebrate winners, and lend a helping hand when it’s needed most. And we love our characters—those unforgettable individuals who could only come from the uniquely American spirit.
Don’t believe me? The next time you’re standing in line somewhere, smile at the stranger next to you. Say hello. Strike up a conversation. You might meet a rodeo clown, a rugby player, a musician, a cook, a teacher, a truck driver, or someone else whose life story completely surprises you.
So this Fourth of July, wear your red, white, and blue. Enjoy a burger fresh off the grill. Watch the fireworks. Fly the flag. And take a moment to honor the extraordinary experiment we all get to be part of—the United States of America.
Happy 250th Birthday, America. Here’s to the next 250 years!
The Grey Goddess 