A quarter-millennium has passed since representatives from thirteen rebel colonies declared independence from “absolute despotism” and asserted the radical viewpoint that all are created equal, with inalienable rights. We celebrate this moment yearly through Independence Day, but this year’s significant anniversary calls on us to reflect more than usual on the course and trajectory of our nation.

In observation of this anniversary, SCPL looks back on the commemorations of other eras and on their visions of a country striving and sometimes succeeding at upholding those visionary founding values.