America’s 250th Birthday.

America is 250 years old:  That milestone would have astonished many of those who were there at the beginning. Even some of the Founders doubted the United States would endure. While our nation’s birth can seem like a glorious, movie-worthy moment in history, the reality was often far messier.

Consider the Declaration of Independence. When Richard Henry Lee proposed that the colonies become “free and independent states,” it sparked weeks of heated debate. Delegates argued bitterly, several colonies opposed the idea, and news from the war was discouraging.

The Constitutional Convention was no different. For four exhausting months, fifty-five delegates worked through sweltering Philadelphia heat to determine whether the young nation even had a future. Sent only to amend the Articles of Confederation, they instead drafted an entirely new Constitution. Secrecy required the windows to remain closed despite the summer heat and unpleasant conditions outside. Tempers flared, debates dragged on, and many delegates simply wanted to go home. Some left early, others never attended, and fourteen ultimately refused to sign the finished document.

Yet, as the Convention ended, Benjamin Franklin offered a memorable observation. Looking at the half-sun painted on George Washington’s chair, he remarked that throughout the proceedings he had been unable to tell whether it represented a rising or setting sun. Now, he said, he knew it was a rising sun.  That image captures the story of America.

Our history has often been contentious, imperfect, and far less romantic than we imagine. Yet it has also been a story of progress. The Founders and Framers disagreed often, but they shared a commitment to building something larger than themselves. They did not solve every problem, but they created a framework that allowed future generations to continue the work.

Over 250 years, America has survived revolution, civil war, economic hardship, world wars, pandemics, and countless challenges. We have expanded liberty, strengthened our institutions, and continued moving forward—even when progress seemed slow.

The fact that our nation has endured, and often emerged stronger, is remarkable.

As we celebrate America’s 250th year, I believe what Franklin believed: over our country, the sun still rises.

Any opinions are those of Landon Vick and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete; it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and it does not constitute a recommendation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decisions.