This Fourth of July, Americans will celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
For two and a half centuries, our nation has endured, evolved and persevered. Through triumphs and trials, Americans have continued the unfinished work of building a more perfect union.
As we mark this historic anniversary, I find myself reflecting not only on our nation’s history, but on a piece of history much closer to home.
I grew up in Hillsborough, less than a mile from the homestead of Governor Benjamin Pierce. As a child, I often wandered the property, drawn to the stories that seemed to linger there. At the time, I did not fully appreciate its significance.
Pierce was a veteran of the Revolutionary War who fought at Bunker Hill, helped organize New Hampshire’s militia after independence, served as governor and raised a son who would become the 14th president of the United States. Long before any of us arrived, ordinary citizens gathered there to prepare themselves for the responsibilities that came with self-government.
That lesson feels especially relevant as America turns 250.
Freedom is not self-sustaining. It never has been. Every generation has been called upon to protect it, strengthen it and pass it on to those who follow.
As a labor leader, I have spent much of my life advocating for working people. At its core, the labor movement is rooted in a simple belief: that every person deserves dignity, fairness and a voice. Those principles are not separate from the American story — they are central to it.
America’s history has never belonged solely to presidents, governors or the figures whose names fill our history books. It has always been shaped by ordinary people doing extraordinary things: workers building our communities, teachers preparing future generations, first responders answering the call in moments of crisis, veterans defending our freedoms and volunteers stepping forward to help neighbors in need.
Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of working alongside volunteers across New Hampshire. Whether supporting veterans, mentoring young people, assisting families during the holidays or helping communities recover from hardship, I have witnessed the power of service firsthand.
These experiences have reinforced a simple truth: citizenship is not a spectator sport.
The Declaration of Independence did not mark the end of a journey. It marked the beginning of one. The freedoms it proclaimed have endured because generation after generation accepted the responsibility of preserving them.
Two hundred and fifty years later, that responsibility remains ours.
America’s story has never been one of perfection. It has been a story of progress — of people striving to leave their communities, their state and their nation stronger than they found them.
The work is never finished, and each generation is entrusted with carrying it forward. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, may we renew our commitment to service, civic engagement and one another. May we remember that freedom flourishes not through complacency, but through participation.
The founders gave us a republic. Every generation since has been entrusted with its care. Now it is our turn.
Happy Independence Day, and happy 250th birthday, America.
Rich Gulla is the president of the State Employees’ Association in New Hampshire.
