This is an important year in American history—the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. Major celebrations and ceremonies are planned all over America. They began on New Year’s Eve here in Washington, D.C., where the Washington Monument, named after our first president, dominates the skyline. As night fell on December 31, 2025, a spectacular multimedia display of patriotic themes and images was projected onto the monument. Even in divided Washington, D.C., there was praise for this inspirational celebration of American history.

The year 2026 promises to be an extraordinary one for America and for every patriot who loves our country. This is the year we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration, in my view, is the most extraordinary, significant political document ever written.