We must recommit to principles of freedom

Alabama’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday was never intended to be confined to a single event, institution, or location. From the beginning, the goal of the Alabama America250 Commission was to create a truly statewide observance, one that invited every county and community to tell its own story, honor its own people, and consider its place in the continuing American experiment. Across Alabama, communities preserved local history, honored military families, planted trees, developed exhibitions, and created programs reflecting the people and places that have shaped our state.

Through the commission’s statewide grant initiative, more than $625,000 was distributed in support of approximately 300 community projects. Every one of Alabama’s 67 counties participated. Teachers and students across Alabama received new resources designed to make the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and the responsibilities of citizenship more accessible and meaningful. Educational materials developed through Alabama’s initiative were downloaded in 33 states, extending the reach of the commission’s work well beyond

our borders. Alabama’s commemoration also made a deliberate effort to recognize veterans, service members, and military families. Through ceremonies, educational programs, historical encampments, community observances, and commemorations of the military services’ own 250th anniversaries, Alabamians were reminded that the promises articulated in the Declaration have endured only because generations of Americans have been willing to defend them.

The planting and dedication of America 250 legacy trees created another visible and lasting expression of remembrance. Long after the banners have been removed and the formal programs have concluded, these trees will continue to grow in communities throughout Alabama.

The statewide commemoration culminated July 3-4 at American Village with the Sweet Home 250 festival. Over two days, Alabamians gathered for historical programs, musical performances, conversations with veterans and scholars, military and civilian living history encampments, family activities, exhibits, patriotic ceremonies, and a celebration of the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For more than 25 years, American Village has existed for precisely this purpose: to help Americans better understand the ideas, sacrifices, and responsibilities that gave birth to the nation.

Two hundred fifty years later, those principles continue to face new tests. Civic knowledge has declined. Trust in institutions and in one another has weakened. Public disagreement too often becomes personal hostility.

Many Americans can readily identify what angers or disappoints them about the country but struggle to articulate the principles upon which it was founded.

The 250th anniversary reminded us that freedom is not inherited automatically.

Every generation must choose to understand it, preserve it, and pass it to those who follow. That is why the proper legacy of the anniversary cannot be a completed calendar of events. It must be a renewed commitment to civic education, historical understanding, respectful disagreement, public service, and responsible citizenship.

There is much to celebrate in what Alabama accomplished. Approximately 300 community projects were supported. Grant funding reached communities throughout the state. Every Alabama county participated.

Teachers gained new resources. Students encountered the ideas of the founding.

Veterans and military families were honored.

Trees were planted.

History was preserved.

Alabamians gathered peacefully and joyfully to celebrate the nation’s independence.

But the most important measure of success will not be what happened during the anniversary year.

Celebrations end.

Citizenship does not.

America’s 250th birthday gave us an occasion to remember. The years ahead must demonstrate that we also recommitted ourselves to the principles that made us free.

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, serves as the chairman of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission.