Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Happy 4th of July, Nebraskans!

This Independence Day is special.  This year, we are celebrating 250 years of American freedom.

Our nation was founded 250 years ago, not only through a revolution, but through a revolutionary idea.  Our Founders believed that God gave people their rights, not the government.

This was a radical idea at the time.  Other countries were governed as if kings gave citizens their rights.  Our Founders believed that all people are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.  American democracy was formed to protect the God-given rights of our citizens.  We have a government of the people, by the people, for the people.  We believe that all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Holding to these ideals, our nation became the greatest in the world.  We overcame internal trials.  We changed course to create a better future for our people.  We endured economic hardships.  We inspired generations.  We gave a voice to the voiceless.  We built the world’s best military.  We dominated on the world stage.  We secured global leadership.  When attacked by our enemies, we united.

Since 1867, Nebraska has been the prime example of what America is supposed to be.  Nebraskans have cared for their neighbors and answered the call of duty.  Nebraskans have dedicated their lives to feeding the nation and the world.  Folks have shown up for their communities and gone above and beyond for those in need.  We saw that this year with the wildfires.  Community members and local first responders rallied together to protect their neighbors.

Nebraskans don’t live this way out of obligation.  We also don’t live this way because the government tells us to.  We do these things because we agree with our Founders.  We are guided by the belief that our Creator has given us our rights.  And we know that together, we can carry on American freedom for generations to come.

This 250th birthday offers all Americans the opportunity to reflect on our great nation.  It allows us to thank those who have defended us, both past and present.  It provides us with moments that reignite our love for the United States.  And it encourages us to pause and consider what it will require to preserve this nation for the next 250 years.

As President Reagan reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”  To protect and preserve this freedom, we need to recommit to the values that built this great country.  If you want to see how that’s lived out, look no further than Nebraska.  Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.

Happy Birthday, America.  And may God always bless the United States of America.

My team and I are here to serve you.  Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.