by Brett Manero
Today is July 4, 2026, exactly 250 years since the Thirteen British Colonies formally declared their independence from the British Empire. The world has never been the same since that fateful day.
Some years ago, out of curiosity, I googled something along the lines of: “the most influential nations in history.” An impressive list came up that seemed rather accurate. The first was Italy, due to the extent and influence of the Roman Empire. The second was Greece, due to the brilliance of Greek philosophy. The third was Great Britain, for many right reasons: the spreading of parliamentary democracy and the English language through the British Empire, endless treasures of literature, and so many more seasons. The United States came in at number four. One could spend hours discussing the ways that America has changed the world, and there might not be enough time.
It is amazing just how young this country is. Great Britain (including the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Wales) have existed for a thousand years, as has France. But America is still a new country, and yet her influence has been undeniable. American culture, led especially led by the film industry, has had a massive impact on the world. The American military, the pax Americana, has provided relative peace and security since the end of the Second World War in 1945. The United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world, and many constitutions of democratic nations are inspired by it. America, along with her Allies, defeated the Axis powers during the Second World War, quite literally saving the world from a new Dark Ages.
America is not perfect and has never been perfect. She is always journeying towards the fulfillment of her ideals. She was born with a cruel original sin – the awful scourge of human slavery – which left a terrible legacy of inequality and racism. But thank goodness, America ended slavery with those glorious words of the Thirteenth Amendment, supported by heroic leaders like Thaddeus Stevens and, of course, President Abraham Lincoln, who saved the Union which persists today.
Over a hundred years ago, America experienced its massive immigration boom: countless immigrants came from nations like Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Poland, to pursue a better life. They experienced tremendous hardship, yes, but they persevered. Many experienced xenophobia and resentment, yes, but their courage and persistence allowed for America to becoming the most diverse nation the world has ever known, a glorious “melting pot” of cultures. Ask any American about his or her heritage, and you are almost certain to hear a variety of backgrounds. When you go to Catholic churches in the northeastern United States, you will often notice that many parishes have an Italian, Polish, or Irish flair to them. That is due to the early communities of immigrants who from these countries who maintained their communities as they settled in their new homeland. Nowadays, their descendants are totally intermixed, and all are Americans. Catholics, Protestants, and Jews live side by side. They have theological differences, sure, but they can still be neighbors and friends.
Such is the miracle that is the United States. The Founding Fathers were imperfect, yes, but their innately good nature is seen in just how much they risked to start something new. They could have gone with the flow and refused to resist British rule. They could have chosen to remain silent. But they instead deliberately chose to resist, risking their lives and fortunes for something new. To me, that suggests that they were thoroughly decent men. Perhaps they had become disillusioned with Old World ways of doing things, with monarchies and class systems that ran their lives. They imagined a nation where Catholics, Protestants, and Jews could live peacefully, side by side. A nation where anyone, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background, could rise up and do something great. They achieved this, and more.
I recently read about how many European, and especially British tourists, have been traveling to America for the World Cup. They have been amazed by the openness and friendliness of Americans, as well as the resources. Their media often portrays Americans negatively, but here they have seen what we are mostly like. That made me smile. For all of the horrible political divisions that our time sees, there is still a fundamental warmth to this nation and people.
I love many other countries, and I love traveling to them. I lived for four years in Scotland, and I love Great Britain. But I cannot fathom any American who hates his or her own country. We live in a miraculous nation that, for all its flaws and problems, is a gift to the world. We have our Founding Fathers to thank for this, and the many brave men who shed their blood in the Revolution. Not to mention – the hundreds of thousands of men who saved the Union in the Civil War, and the hundreds of thousands who saved the world in the Second World War.
Let’s be thankful for America this Fourth of July. Happy 250th, America.
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