What Makes Us America

As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, 2026, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on what makes us America. This milestone—two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—invites us to revisit the roots, beliefs, and freedoms that have shaped our nation’s identity. At Commit250, we believe that understanding these core elements not only deepens our gratitude for the sacrifices of those who came before us but also inspires us to live healthier, more purposeful lives as an act of patriotism.

Our Roots: A Nation Born of Courage and Vision

America’s story began with a daring vision: a nation founded on the principle that all people are created equal, endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In 1776, a group of colonists, driven by a desire for self-governance and freedom from tyranny, took an extraordinary leap. They were farmers, merchants, and thinkers—ordinary people with extraordinary courage—who risked everything to build a nation where individual potential could flourish.

Our roots lie in this revolutionary spirit, a blend of resilience and defiance against oppression. From the battlefields of Lexington and Concord to the debates in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, our founders laid a foundation that was as much about ideals as it was about action. Their commitment to creating a system that could evolve, correct itself, and strive for a "more perfect union" remains a defining trait of America.

Today, those roots remind us of the sacrifices made—soldiers who fought, families who persevered, and communities that rebuilt through wars, economic hardship, and social change. As we approach our 250th year, we honor them by reflecting on how their courage still calls us to stand up for what’s right and to improve ourselves and our nation.

Our Beliefs: The Bedrock of American Identity

At the heart of America is a set of beliefs that have endured through centuries of triumphs and challenges. We believe in freedom—not just as a concept, but as a lived reality. Freedom of speech allows us to debate, question, and innovate. Freedom of religion ensures we can worship—or not—as our conscience dictates. The belief in opportunity, that anyone can rise through hard work and determination, has drawn millions to our shores and fueled our progress.

These beliefs are not mere words in our Constitution; they are promises we strive to keep. They’ve inspired movements for equality, from the abolition of slavery to the fight for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and beyond. They’ve also sparked innovation, turning America into a hub of invention, from the light bulb to the internet. But our beliefs come with responsibility. As Commit250 emphasizes, being American means actively preserving these freedoms by living in a way that honors the sacrifices made to secure them.

Yet, we face challenges to these beliefs today. Division, apathy, and declining health—physical and mental—threaten our ability to live fully free. Obesity, overmedication, and mental health struggles are not just personal issues; they weaken the collective strength of our nation. By recommitting to our health and well-being, we embody the American belief in self-improvement and resilience, ensuring we’re strong enough to uphold the ideals we cherish.

Our Freedoms: A Legacy to Protect and Celebrate

America’s freedoms are the lifeblood of our identity. The right to speak freely, to assemble, to pursue our dreams—these are not guaranteed elsewhere, and they were hard-won here. Every generation has fought to preserve and expand these freedoms, from the Revolutionary War to the sacrifices of soldiers in global conflicts and the courage of activists who demanded justice at home.

As we near our 250th anniversary, we must ask ourselves: How do we protect these freedoms? At Commit250, we believe the answer starts with ourselves. A healthy America is a strong America. When we neglect our physical and mental health, we limit our ability to engage fully in civic life, to innovate, and to stand up for what’s right. By prioritizing personal wellness—eating better, staying active, seeking mental clarity—we honor the legacy of those who fought for our freedoms and ensure we’re ready to carry their torch forward.

Our freedoms also demand gratitude. Every day we speak our minds, vote, or chase our dreams, we’re living the legacy of those who gave their lives for this nation. The 250th anniversary is a chance to renew that gratitude, to teach our children about the cost of liberty, and to recommit to a lifestyle that reflects the strength and vitality of America’s spirit.

Looking Ahead to 250 Years

As we approach July 4, 2026, Commit250 invites every American to celebrate our 250th anniversary by embracing what makes us America. Our roots remind us of the courage it took to build this nation. Our beliefs challenge us to live up to the ideals of freedom and opportunity. And our freedoms call us to action—to be healthy, engaged, and grateful citizens who carry this nation forward.

Let’s make the 250th anniversary a turning point. Commit to being the most patriotic version of yourself by improving your health, honoring our history, and protecting the freedoms that define us. Together, we can ensure that America’s next 250 years are as bold, vibrant, and free as the first.