Horsham: 4th July 2026

Best wishes to all my American friends for a wonderful celebration of America250

250 Years ago

A bit of Background
In June 1776, at the request of Congress, the final draft of a Declaration of independence from the Great Britain, was written by Thomas Jefferson. The document was intended to provide for the independence of America from Great Britain, and to break from the authority of King George III.

On 4th July that same year, the Declaration was unanimously ratified by delegates of the then thirteen states, who were part of the Second Continental Congress. After years of conflict and more than a year of war, Congress declared independence from Great Britain. In that moment, the United States of America was born.

Under British law, all those who signed the declaration committed an act of treason against the Crown. The bravery of those first patriots in taking on and, in the stroke of a pen, defeating the might of Great Britain was extraordinary. 250 years later their courage is something well worth celebrating.

250 years on. A Personal Reflection.

Lament
I’ve been thinking about that moment, 250 years ago. It seems to me that we might lament the separation of these two great nations who could, perhaps, have achieved so much together as one. I have the sense that were it not for the selfishness, greed and arrogance of the elite of one of the nations, how much more might have been achieved.

Rejoicing
I’ve been reflecting on the developments by the United States in every field of the last 250 years, and I think that at this moment of celebration we should be truly excited.  In so many ways, over he years, our nations have grown so much closer. So much has been achieved together. So many things to be proud of. There are so many reasons for us to rejoice and share in the 250th celebration.

Lament
From my home in the UK, I’ve been watching the great nation of the United States as they have approached this important moment of celebration. I’ve felt a little disappointed for my American friends.  The celebrations have, at a national level at least, looked rather subdued, and surprisingly partisan. I have the sense that, were it not for the selfishness, greed and arrogance of the elite of one of the nations, this milestone in American history might be looking and feeling much more worthy of rejoicing.

Richard Jackson: Horsham,West Sussex