As you all know, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—America’s semiquincentennial.
We recognize some of the most consequential moments in human history: A citizens’ army of patriots winning their independence from the greatest empire of the 18th century. And while accomplishing that military miracle, they forged diverse peoples, interests, and cultures into a unified experiment in democracy. Guided by Providence, the cause of those patriots prevailed, and the American experiment thrives even 250 years later.
I’ve long thought about how I can best honor this occasion as Utah’s United States Senator, and earlier this month shared my plans to embark on a 250-mile trek, starting near the northernmost part of our state and ending in my hometown of Provo, Utah, at the Stadium of Fire on the Fourth of July.
Well, today is Day 1 of that walk! And I’ve already enjoyed walking through local communities, taking in the beautiful landscapes, and reflecting on the distinctly American values that are enshrined in our founding documents and that sustained Utah’s pioneer settlers: faith, liberty, happiness, magnanimity, prudence, family, sacrifice, and fortitude—among others.
We get so caught up in day-to-day politics that sometimes we fail to stop and recognize just what is foundational to the strength of our republic. These and other virtues exhibited in our nation’s founding are what have carried our experiment in democracy for 250 years. And they are integral to maintaining our strength for the next 250 years.
I hope you will follow along with me throughout this journey to also reflect more deeply upon the meaning of these values in our history and in your own life.
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