Two hundred fifty years ago,
A promise first took flight,
That ordinary people could
Help guide a nation right.

A promise born of liberty,
Of hope and equal worth,
That freedom is not owned by a few,
But shared by all on earth.

We’ve faced our trials through the years,
We’ve stumbled on the way,
Yet each generation carried on
And helped light another day.

We teach.
We serve.
We build.
We care.
We lend a helping hand.
And through a million quiet acts,
We help define this land.

The world may see our differences,
Our arguments and debate,
Yet freedom has never promised ease,
Or sheltered us from fate.

Being American is more than where
Our story first began.
It’s caring for our neighbors,
And doing what we can.

The torch passed on through many hands
Now rests with me and you.
May those who follow someday say
We kept the promise true.

As America turns two hundred fifty,
May gratitude remain,
For freedom, faith, community,
All we strive to sustain.

Original Poem by Cynthia Saarie ©2026