Beyond the Red, White, and Blue: America’s 250th Birthday

Editor’s note: The following letter was written by 14 year-old Molly Skyles who is going into the 9th grade at Houghton High School. She said she was inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, saying she wrote the letter to show her appreciation of this important occasion.

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” — Benjamin Franklin.

Dear Editor:

July 4th, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The Fourth of July is known as Independence Day as it was the day the colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Every year, we celebrate with fireworks shows, parades, parties/barbecues, and wear red, white, and blue. But the Fourth of July is more than just a celebration or a day of fun. It is a day of remembrance for those who fought for our freedom and those who died as martyrs, never

getting to experience the freedom they died for.

The odds of winning seemed impossible. But through sheer determination, perseverance, sacrifice and pride, we won, and the British surrendered on October 19, 1781. Tens of thousands of soldiers died during the war. Those who died never even got to see their nation become the free and independent country they sacrificed for. They are people who we

don’t even know, but heroes don’t need names.

These people helped shape America’s first 250 years. The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson and reviewed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. This was the official document that started our country, our independence, and our freedom.

As a young student who loves American history, the Fourth of July is such an important day to me, as it was the day that made American history possible. They fought for a cause they were willing to die fighting for, and yet they won, which shows how brave and incredible they were. They saw something unfair and wrong and fought for what they believed in. We show celebration and gratitude through many different ways, but when was the last time we sat back and thought about how much these people sacrificed for the sake of this nation?

In conclusion, our history is very important to both the present day and our future. It shows that if we join together for a common goal, we can accomplish many great things, just as our brave forefathers did. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we should take into consideration the unity it took to create it.

Molly Skyles

Lake Linden

Getting it right

Editor:

Bright new days may lie ahead for the USA. Indeed, free food, free housing and medical care for everyone at no cost to anyone. Just think what a wonderful country that would be. A few impediments stand in the way.

Some grudgingly complain it’s not at all possible — someone’s got to pay. Presently, it’s the working-class paying the bills, which they don’t seem to mind whatsoever. They know the taxes they pay will be wisely spent by our dedicated senators and congressmen. Hard-working citizens are glad to pay taxes regardless of how much taxes are increased.

How about the millionaires and billionaires? They’ve got to be reined in to provide for the poor among us. Look at Elon Musk. That guy is sitting on a trillion dollars. He’s got to be brought down to earth like the rest of us. How selfish that guy is. A trillion dollars—with that kind of dough the entire population of the US and all the welcomed sojourners from the south of the border can be nourished and sustained. Bread, wine and cheese for everyone. Come one, come all, and join us at the table.

A million dollars (or even less} should be enough for Musk to live comfortably. Elon should no longer wallow in a vast sea of wealth while many go hungry. Likewise for the billionaire class who pay much, much less than their fair share.

How about Elon Musk’s enterprises? Did he build all those rockets by himself? I doubt that he even once dirtied his hands. I’ll bet the most he ever did was fly paper airplanes in grade school like the rest of us. I submit that a hundred thousand, of competent, well-meaning government officials should be able to take over and manage Space X and Tesla much better than Musk. One guy over large enterprises? It is to laugh.

Now you’re hearing right-wing MAGA types whimper about mail-in votes and a lack of voter registration. So what. Many of the unfortunates among us lack means of registering or reaching the polls on election day. In fairness, all the votes should be counted, even after election day. No doubt Musk has his hands in this denial.

One last thing: I’ll say that Elon’s last name is most appropriate–I can smell that “Musk” all the way over here and it lacks a fragrant bouquet. More like a skunk.

Gail A. Wickstrom

Seabring, OH