2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and with it comes a yearlong celebration for our country.
There are several events in American history that stand out in our founding as moments when we became a nation. The publishing of the Declaration of Independence is possibly the most popularly considered moment when this new nation was born on shared ideas. The principles laid out in that world-famous document are timeless and certainly worth celebrating. And we’re here for that. Our aim this year at Old Dominion Post is to celebrate the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the United States of America.
Happy birthday, America! Let’s remember the Spirit the ’76, embrace it again, and strive for a more perfect union with grace.
To better appreciate this semiquincentennial anniversary we will focus on more than just the drafting, debating, and signing of the Declaration. There is a tremendous amount of history from our nation’s founding that should be remembered and cherished.
Let’s begin with a quote from the primary author of the document we are celebrating, Thomas Jefferson, on the icon considered by many to hold primacy among our Founding Fathers, George Washington.
“Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever the obstacles.”
–Thomas Jefferson
Washington is, of course, still revered with awe. And deservingly so. With so many accomplishments, so many firsts, and so many precedents to follow, it is no wonder that Washington is a figure honored by Americans and scholars throughout the world. Ok, so Washington was a big-government Federalist, but Washington’s idea of big-government federalism back then wouldn’t compare to today’s big-government leftists, so we’ll give Washington, a native of Virginia, a lot of slack on the political side.
Setting aside Washington’s politics, which came late, he was truly an extraordinary man. Famously said after the news of Washington’s death, Light Horse Harry Lee described Washington as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Hear, hear. It is then only appropriate to begin our year of celebration by first tipping our hats to George Washington.
The accolades are endless. With the aforementioned quotes from Jefferson and Lee, here are three more on Washington to give you a top five.
“I really think your personal welfare and the happiness of America are intimately connected.”
-Patrick Henry, in a letter to George Washington, 1778
“Simple himself in his tastes and habits and manfully indifferent to personal indulgences.”
-Washington Irving, George Washington; A Biography
“An incalculable asset.”
-Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers
We enthusiastically agree. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come. 2026 is a celebration. All. Year. Long. Happy birthday, America.