New Year’s Day 2026 marks the 250th year of the United States of America. Our nation’s founders planted the first seed of freedom on July 4, 1776, when they adopted the Declaration of Independence. With this one act our sovereign nation began.
Nearly twenty years ago, I began to fall in love with true stories from the era of our country’s founding. An editor at publisher AMG asked me to write a book for their ‘Battlefields and Blessings’ series. Since they had already published a 365-day devotional on the Civil War, they encouraged me to choose another conflict, such as World War II or the American Revolution.
I dove into writing “Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War.” I was also pregnant at the time, but was quickly put on bed rest after I went into premature labor. As it turned out, bed rest gave me plenty of time to research, think, and write before safely delivering my middle son.
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When I started researching, I was skeptical. Was George Washington overrated? Are stories from 1776 relevant to today’s life? How can we deal with people who lived 250 years ago?
George Washington, portrait painting by Constable-Hamilton, 1794. From the New York Public Library. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
I realized that technology changes, but the human heart does not change. The need for love, acceptance and freedom transcends time, whether we drive a Tesla or a horse-drawn carriage.
I cannot explain how transformative studying the American Revolution was for me. It completely changed my understanding of what the United States is all about and how it came to be. As a former White House aide to President George W. Bush, I thought I knew enough about our country and its principles. But I was humbled by the founders’ words.
Early in my research I made a crucial decision. I prioritized original sources, such as letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts, rather than the work of modern historians. I wanted to draw my own conclusions without getting infected.
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Instead of finding Washington overrated, I developed a deep respect and appreciation for his selfless leadership style. Without the strength, determination, perseverance, faith and humility of General Washington, we would not have gained our independence from England. Washington did not seek glory for himself. Instead, he prioritized the needs of his military and the American people over personal accolades.
In the same way, Washington was not a static character. He grew and changed. In this way he transformed from being born as a slave owner to dying as an emancipator. The war and his presidency left him grappling with the realization that slavery was contrary to the founding of the country he had led. For most of his life, it was illegal to free slaves in Virginia. When he returned home and retired, he had time to think. He stopped buying and selling slaves. He then freed his slaves in his will, which was published in its entirety in newspapers across the country after his sudden death in 1799, less than three years into his presidency. Americans knew that Washington had freed his slaves.
Why does Washington or America 250 matter in 2026? Only 13% of our nation’s eighth graders are proficient in American history. This is as outrageous as it is frightening, a flashing red sign that something is very wrong.
Our culture is malnourished because of recent leftist propaganda that has demonized historical figures, torn down or vandalized their statues, and canceled them on the altar of political correctness.
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We are starving. We long to digest healthy perspectives about our history and our culture. No one alive today should be afraid or hopeless about their future based on America’s past sins. Instead, we must teach history both inspiringly and truthfully.
I prioritized original sources, such as letters, diaries, and first-hand accounts, rather than the work of modern historians. I wanted to draw my own conclusions without getting infected.
My wish for my fellow Americans is that they will take some time this year to discover stories about the founding of our country. Make it a New Year’s resolution to do at least one thing related to the American Revolution. Watch short videos, documentaries and films. Visit museums and local celebrations in your city or state. Watch historical reenactments. Choose to read at least one book about the Revolutionary War. I have almost twenty books on the market, including four on the American Revolution, for both adults and children. I have also recorded several America 250 videos on TikTok and YouTube via America250Jane.
One of the best movies that captures this spirit of freedom is called “The American Miracle.” Available via AmericanMiraclemovie.com, this is an inspiring docudrama that I was grateful to participate in as an on-camera storyteller. This fascinating film shows many wonderful moments during the American Revolution. It also advocates for a healthy perspective by revealing the exploits of Black Americans from this era.
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We must remember President Washington’s words as he parted ways with America in 1796 when he declined to run for re-election. Washington encouraged his countrymen to regard the differences in their religion, manners, customs, and political principles as “minor.” He did not want their differences to be a stumbling block to their unity. He believed that “the independence and freedom you possess are the work of common councils and common efforts—of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.” After all, Americans had “fought and triumphed together” for a common goal.
He wrote: ‘Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has the right to concentrate your affections. The name AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any other appellation. [name] arise from local discrimination [states and cities].”
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If Washington were alive today, he would say the same thing to us, the unborn millions yet to come, as he called us.
We must remember that 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, our Founders planted the seed of freedom, not a full-grown tree. Despite cultural thorns, droughts and floods, the seed of freedom has grown and blossomed over the years, leading to this historic new year. Our job is not just to celebrate this year, but to nourish the love of country in our culture so that our descendants 250 years from now can celebrate this festival.
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