July 4th Declaration

July 2nd, 2026

July 4^th Declaration

on the 250^th anniversary

 of the founding of the United States 

By Bruce E. Mowday 

          At the conclusion of the American Revolution, various leaders paraphrased a quote attributed to Greek playwright Euripides. “It is easier to win freedom than to preserve it.”

As the United States celebrates its 250^th anniversary on July 4, freedom still reigns. We should all rejoice.

At times, the nation’s history was rocky and the very existence of the Republic was in jeopardy. Mistakes were made and rectified. The accomplishments and the establishment of freedom and independence far outweigh the nation’s negatives. Compromise and self-interests by those in power or seeking favor inevitably lead to imperfect decisions.  Preserving freedom, independence and the Republic is a struggle and will continue to be a battle.  Founding Father George Washington said as much during Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

This year constitutes a great opportunity to introduce to our citizens our history. I write introduce because, sadly, so many of us have no idea of the struggles, sacrifices, deprivation and delicate deliberations that resulted in the founding of our nation. In this aspect, our educational system has miserably failed. One local university instructor stated a vast majority of her students admitted they never read the Constitution or Declaration of Independence. During a conference for ROTC cadets in Philadelphia earlier this year, the group had no knowledge of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They weren’t entirely sure what the 250^th was commemorating.

Karen Simmons and the Chester County Community Foundation are applauded for its Dare to Declare drive to have the Declaration read at county events. An inspiring and patriotic rendition of the Declaration of Independence by community leaders took place at Longwood Gardens in June. The reading preceded the Brandywine Valley Symphony’s Made in America concert featuring America’s music. For the first time, the symphony played An American Dream, a piece by Composer Aaron Fullan commissioned by the symphony.  The Longwood evening was a true community celebration of America.

Reading the latest book by H. W. Brands will go a long way to understanding the founding of the United States. Brands, a University of Texas history professor, has long been one of my favorite history authors. His writing style engages, instructs and entertains the reader. Some weeks ago Brands spoke at West Chester University on his new release, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington.

Schools would enhance students’ knowledge by making American Patriarch a required reading. One reviewer of Brands’s book, University of Richmond professor emeritus George R. Goethals, wrote, “Brands deftly weaves into his narrative extensive excerpts from diaries, letters, speeches, and publications, providing unequaled insight into what Washington saw, heard, read, thought and did during crucial points in his life and the life of the new nation he did more than anyone else to create.”

Another book I was urged to read is Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World by Eric Metaxas. Metaxas doesn’t pull any punches, I was told. I’ve read some of the detailed work.

Recently, I gave a Chester County history talk at the 250^th celebration of Highland Township. This was a community celebration of shared history and accomplishments. A cheer for Highland and other civic-minded groups and organizations hosting such events highlighting our history. By attending, citizens have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of our communities and our history.

The Church of the Saviour in Wayne requested a talk on the common soldier at Valley Forge. The subject is wonderful. This year we’ll hear a lot about Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and other notable leaders. Those who quietly sacrificed, soldiers and civilians, shouldn’t be forgotten. After giving my talk Common Soldiers: Uncommon Heroes in Delaware in June, I heard one of the attendees tell her friend that “veterans” should be the focus of the 250^th festivities.

Our celebration should encompass history and the individuals who made this county great.

Our freedom is not guaranteed.  Beginning in 1776, our continued existence was questioned. When President Washington suffered from a severe illness early in his first term in office, Abigail Adams wrote, “I saw a hydra head before me – envy, jealousy, ambition and all the baneful passions in league.” Adams feared if Washington died, all of our newly won freedom would vanish without his leadership.

In this celebratory year, Americans should be thankful for our freedom, understand the genesis of this country and defeat those who make up today’s hydra head, just as Hercules did in Greek mythology.

(Bruce E. Mowday is a Chester County award-winning author and newspaper reporter. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation” for his “extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250^th anniversary.” He is scheduled to give more than 60 presentations this year. For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.