To the Citizens and Friends of Liberty,
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is tempting to view this milestone merely as the greatest birthday party our nation has ever seen. But this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary offers us something far more transformative than a celebration—it offers us a mirror: one that doesn't just reflect our current image but invites us to examine whether the reflection we see today matches the high standard of the ideals we inherited.
Measuring the Stature of Our Souls
This is a historic opportunity to recognize that we cannot move forward until we look honestly at where we stand—measuring the current stature of our individual and national soul against the lofty ideals set 250 years ago. Are we the heirs the Founders envisioned? Are we nourishing the foundational values of liberty, sacrifice, and mutual respect, or are we allowing them to wither under the weight of cynicism, apathy, and partisanship?
From Reflection to Resolution
The power of this mirror is that it doesn't just show us who we are—it reveals the gap between our current reality and our highest potential. This anniversary is our opportunity to bridge that gap. This is the moment to determine—not by chance, but by conscious choice—who we want to become. We have the rare, historic opening to decide that:
Contention will be answered with civility: We can choose to raise our voices in respectful support of founding principles rather than tearing down our neighbors or opponents, even when we sincerely believe we are right—or when we are striving to protect the influence and future of the cause or platform we represent.
Apathy will be answered with Purpose: We can re-engage with our communities and the rising generation to ensure the "Work of Liberty" remains a living, breathing reality.
Cynicism will be answered with Patriotism: A genuine, active love for the promise of America that transcends the noise of the day.
Defining the Next 250 Years
The 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime launchpad. The decisions we make in our homes and our communities over the coming months will set the trajectory for the next quarter-millennium.
Let’s not allow this to be a lost opportunity or a mere footnote of fireworks, parties, and parades. Instead, we can honor this milestone by more deeply instilling the core principles of liberty into our own minds and hearts and passing that vital legacy on to the next generation. By participating in this great season of renewal, we can each contribute to a reality that proves the American experiment is not just a memory of the past, but our brightest hope for the future.
The mirror shows us the truth of today. Our actions will define the truth of tomorrow.
Steve Mortensen