Is there much of a chance that you haven’t heard the USA is now in its 250th year? You may not think it is a big deal, but it really is, when you recognize that the country is now entering a very rare atmosphere. I realize I have been around a tad over one-third of those 250 years! We make a big deal of celebrating certain ages in our lives: reaching “Sweet Sixteen,” “21” (alleging that we are now an adult), “age 65-67” (a senior citizen, possible retiree, maybe collecting Social Security benefits). I recall being given a black iced cake at a retirement party at the old Dock Side restaurant when I tripped over age 60. So, celebrating the Country’s 250th year is worth noting by congratulating ourselves for holding things together this many years.

As a long-time participating member of the history of Chillicothe, Illinois, population about 6100, I think about what would be an appropriate way to show our collective pride in ourselves.

We most likely will be deafened by fireworks displays as they burst into the night sky on or about July 3-5th. But how can we share in a joint celebration in Chillicothe that is uniquely us?

How does 250 years compare to other countries that most of us would recognize as a country, not an empire or dynasty?  A look at history and the year of 900 seems to be the beginning year. Math tells us countries have existed for roughly 1,126 years, so we are just entering our “twenties” as a country. But when we look at the average lifespan of countries (how long do they exist), we find countries generally collapse at their 250th year. DARN! That’s where we are! 

I don’t feel like dying. I admit I’m not as spry as I used to be, but when I was in my twenties, dying was not an option that I considered. I had a long future ahead of me. Why shouldn’t the USA look to the future as each of us has done in our own lives?

Think about your life and what our great country has done for the rest of the world during your lifetime. Are you wanting to continue to enjoy the greatest level of freedom to live your life the way you choose than in any other country? Where do citizens of foreign countries want to go… The USA! 

What would you suggest to the Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, or City of Chillicothe, or a combination of civic groups, could share in a one-time celebration of our Country reaching its age of majority, as countries go?  How about a huge red-white-and-blue birthday cake with banners and confetti and all the fun stuff to be shared at City Park or other fitting place? I’m sure the Fireworks Committee has some cool ideas for this event. I don’t know who has an oven big enough to make that big a cake. This is a BIG DEAL, let’s enjoy it!