America at 250: What Message Should It Share With the World?

Editor's Note:  CommPRO Contributing Writer Dominic Calabrese is an eighth generation American whose ancestor on his mother's side, William Jacob Maness, Jr., served with distinction as a private in the North Carolina line of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

As the USA prepares to celebrate its 250th Anniversary on July 4, what messages about America should we be communicating to the rest of the world?

To gain some insight, CommPRO asked a variety of communications professionals for their thoughts.

Putting this milestone anniversary in historical perspective is Ernest Wiggins, professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and an independent scholar.

"As we celebrate our 250th birthday as a full-fledged nation, we might pause to reflect on how few 250 years really is when compared to other countries of the world, among them China, Egypt and India," he says, noting that Iran's historical roots extend back thousands of years and encompass important contributions to world civilization.

Wiggins suggests that recent international tensions involving the United States and Iran may prompt reflection on how America is perceived abroad. He believes the nation's semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to emphasize mutual respect, diplomacy and a greater appreciation of the history and contributions of all nations.

"A better message," he maintains, "would be more universal, supporting and respecting the vitality of all nations and their people."

Further elaborating on the historical aspect of the nation's 250th birthday is Ellen Ferrera, a contributing writer for the Moultrie County (IL) News-Progress and founder and past president of the Illinois Association of Non-Profits.

"Americans should celebrate this very special moment in our country's history by visiting a place in one of the 50 states that they have longed to see: Niagara Falls, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park or Washington, D.C., with all its shrines and monuments," Ferrera says.

She also encourages Americans to mark our 250th anniversary by learning more about their own families and how they contributed to the nation's well-being, pointing out that there is a wealth of information available online and through libraries with genealogy resources.

Most importantly, Ferrera maintains that messaging about America's 250th anniversary should revolve around the themes of gratitude and respect for all those who fought to keep the nation free.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate our 250th anniversary than to honor those thousands of heroes who gave their lives from the Revolutionary War to the present to ensure that our country would survive," she says.

Ferrera urges her fellow Americans to visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

"It is a most somber and impressive ceremony," she notes, adding that Gettysburg and other national cemeteries offer additional opportunities for reflection.

Ferrera also points out that those traveling to England, France or Luxembourg could take time to visit American cemeteries where thousands of U.S. service members from both World Wars are buried.

"The grounds there are immaculate and the memorial services most impressive," she says. "The museums are testimony to the terrible price we have paid protecting our country. Without the sacrifices of these honored patriots, we would not be celebrating a 250th anniversary."

Delores J. Brooks, longtime Chicago writer and marketing professional, agrees and maintains that reflection should also be front and center in any 250th anniversary messaging.

"It is a time for individuals and families to remember and show gratitude for the sacrifices, bravery, challenges and heartaches our family members and others have given in service to our country," Brooks says.

While owing a huge debt to all military veterans, living and deceased, she points out that we cannot forget the millions of volunteers who have assisted and cared for abandoned and orphaned children, accepted responsibility for feeding and housing the homeless, sheltered stray animals, aided those with medical needs and helped victims of crime and natural disasters.

"They are richly deserving of our ongoing appreciation," she argues, urging Americans not only to be thankful for the nation's founders and those who shaped its institutions and governing documents, but also for all who have worked to strengthen communities and improve lives.

"But we must show our praise and never-ending appreciation for all who selflessly gave of themselves to make all our lives so much better in this country and recommit ourselves to those goals," Brooks says.

For Wiggins, Ferrera and Brooks, the need for Americans to recommit themselves to the democratic values that helped launch the nation 250 years ago is central to the message they believe America should share with the rest of the world.

Editor's Note: The views and opinions expressed by contributors quoted in this article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CommPRO, its editors, employees or affiliates. The comments have been published as part of a broader discussion intended to present a range of perspectives on America's 250th anniversary and its significance.