Our country is approaching an incredible milestone. This year, the United States commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a landmark anniversary that invites us to celebrate and reflect on a quarter-millennium of American stories and ideals.
The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, not only marked the beginning of American statehood, but an announcement to the world of a proposition that many found radical: that government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and that the governed possess rights that cannot be stripped away.
This idea changed the course of human history, and our journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past and honor the contributions of all Americans.
The fundamental genius of the United States is embodied in our Declaration's recognition of three self-evident truths: "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."
Some may take the truths of our Declaration for granted today, but at the time, they were incredibly radical. Many of the Declaration's signers lost their homes, fortunes and lives to realize those ideals, and generations of Americans, including many Hoosiers, gave their lives to defend them generation after generation.
This anniversary is an invitation to participate in the celebration and commemoration of the United States. The Indiana Semiquincentennial Commission, established by the General Assembly in 2022, hosts a website that will serve as a one-stop shop where Hoosiers can find information and links for Indiana’s local, county and state plans for America’s 250 Celebration. Information on the national celebration and events can be found at the America250 website.
While the 1976 bicentennial focused on celebrating the nation’s founding, this semiquincentennial will look at the bigger picture of the American experience. This commemoration will explore Indiana's role in the nation’s history, from the actions leading to the revolutionary period until today.
The commission has organized events, educational resources and local programs across the state. Whether you attend a ceremony, visit a historic site or simply take an evening to learn more about America's founding, there are resources available to all Hoosiers.
The United States continues to be a beacon of hope, freedom and prosperity to the rest of the world. As we continue in our experiment of self-government, it's important to reflect on the values and principles that built our nation. On America's 250th anniversary, I encourage you and all Hoosiers to take part in celebrations and reflect on what makes our country so great.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
