Guest Editorial: Two-hundred fifty years as a nation is a gift to be appreciated, savored

Dr. Ben Jones

South Dakota State Historian

Citizens around the nation are marking this Independence Day as a once in a lifetime milestone. Two-hundred and fifty years as a republic is a rarity in human history. Having a nation, founded on the principles that we are all created equal, that government’s primary responsibility is to affirm our “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” and that the government relies on the consent of the governed was astonishingly rare in 1776. But just as rare is to still be here 250 years later, truly a gift to be appreciated and savored. 

To that end, the America’s 250th South Dakota Commission has worked to pull together partners from around the state. American Legion posts, Daughters of the American Revolution chapters, and other local groups have fashioned creative agendas, held America 250 flag raising events, organized parades, held book talks on the founding, and run other contests and games with the 250 themes. As John Adams said, Independence Day “ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” He anticipated that such celebrations would reverberate in the memories of people and more importantly impress children and inspire them to appreciate the founding principles, the people who crafted them, and the ones who fought for them.  

I’ve already seen people be inspired and create new work for others to enjoy. Joseph Bottum and the South Dakota Historical Society Press have published a wonderful poem for the occasion, Paul Lombardi has composed a wonderful symphony about the state, and others have written songs. An 11th grader from Herreid crafted a poem, earning national recognition. Keep up the great work, South Dakota!  

Yes, of course, we have often failed to live up to these ideals. We are human. But the fact that we can hold the government accountable when not meeting the stated standards is a rare power on this earth. I’ve been to countries – awash in ignorance and violence – who judge people unequally for arbitrary reasons. When nations who say they hold these values – but fail – and when citizens have o peaceful means, that’s when we need to appreciate what we have.  

The Civil War veterans who founded South Dakota are often on my mind. They had just experienced saving the Union. They built a state that then knew what was at stake. I hope you enjoy the nation’s 250th year, and inspired by their example, think about contributing to getting us to the Tricentennial. 

Want to know how to get involved? Check out all of our events and the calendar at Americas250th.sd.gov for complete details.  

Benjamin F. Jones is the Chair of the America’s 250th South Dakota Commission and the Director of the State Historical Society.