Not just barbecues, flags, and fireworks

Looking back on 250 years of freedom and looking forward to the future

The Fourth of July is a day for celebration but also a day for contemplation about what our freedom means to us and to the entire world. Photo: Colourbox

One year after the historic sailaway of the Restauration from Stavanger on July 4, 2025, the United States celebrates America 250 in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Lori Ann Reinhall, SBSCA immediate past president, former editor of The Norwegian American newspaper and member of the North American Crossings 200 Committee, has a message to share both at home and around the world.

Once again, the Fourth of July is upon us — but this year things feel different. Not only because we are celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 but because we see a shift of global power, with conflicts raging around the world. Many of us may ask ourselves where we fit into all of this.

With the celebration of America 250, we can seize the moment to look back on U.S. history and to re-examine the very fundaments upon which our country was founded and how they affect our lives today. The Charters of Freedom—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—outline the core philosophies of the United States, establish its government, and guarantee the rights of its citizens.

There is much to be learned from these documents, and it is important to examine them within the framework of our nation’s 250-year history. Still today, their fundamental principles guide and hold our society together. Further, they clarify our role and responsibility as citizens of the world.

A republic and and a democracy

John Trumbull's painting "Declaration of Independence" depicts the five-man drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress. Image: Wikipedia

Over time, it has often been debated whether the United States is a republic or a democracy. The answer is that our nation is both. The interrelationship of republic and democracy, however, is not always well understood.

In a nutshell: The United States is a union or republic consisting of 50 states. In the U.S. system of government, there is a strict separation of powers among three distinct branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. As a republic, power is shared between the national federal government and the individual state governments. As a democracy, power is held by the country’s citizens through elected representatives. Ultimate sovereignty comes from the people, who participate in the system by voting for their representatives in free and fair elections.

Already in 1787, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin warned of the fragility of a representative democracy or republic. He expressed that nations can only govern themselves if their citizens remain committed to core principles. Franklin believed that as people become corrupt and abandon civic responsibility, they eventually become incapable of freedom. “We are a republic, if you can keep it,” he once famously said.

A time for thought—and action!

As we celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is important to think about what itmeans for us today. Image: Wikipedia.

It’s something to think about on the Fourth of July. it’s easy to sit back and complain or even laugh with cynicism about the status quo. But we are talking about a serious state of affairs. Perhaps, above all, the question we need to ask is whether we are actively participating in our own democracy. 

To the point: voter participation in the United States on the federal level remains low. In 2024, 73.6% of the voting-age population were registered to vote, and only 65.3% of those registered voted in the presidential election. Numbers are even worse on state and local levels. Civic knowledge appears to be perilously inadequate. In a recent survey 53% of U.S. adults were unable to correctly identify the primary reason the American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence to separate from Britain. Beyond that, many Americans would be hard pressed to explain the contents of the 10 constitutional amendments of the Bill of Rights or even name the three branches of government.

Fortunately, this is a situation that can be remedied through both public and private initiatives. As we celebrate America 250, a plethora of information has been made available about the history of the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers, and our system of government. There are dedicated websites, articles, books, documentaries, cinematic dramatizations, museum exhibits; the possibilities seem endless. All of this comes beyond the permanent resources available in our National Archives, libraries, and museums. They are invaluable resources that are worth exploring on an ongoing basis.

So, this year, as we fire up our backyard barbecues, hoist up our flags, or head out to watch fireworks, why not take a few moments to think what it means to be part of a democracy. Let’s think about our responsibility to make it work for the common good, both at home and abroad.

With a strong foundation to build upon, together, we can shape a brighter future. We must defend our democracy. History has shown us that we are a resilient nation. Now as we commemorate America 250, we must remember that the power of the people can make a difference. I wish you all a very happy Fourth of July—let freedom ring around the entire world!