Why Didn't the 250th Anniversary of the Start of the Revolutionary War Get More Attention?

If you spend time regularly on this blog, you likely know that April 19 was the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. If you live in Massachusetts, I'm sure you marked the anniversary appropriately. But for the rest of the country...

Crickets.

That's how it seems to me. 

For those who may not know what I'm talking about, this past Saturday was April 19, 2025. That was the 250th anniversary of the shot heard 'round the world! It was the 250th anniversary of the opening of the American Revolution. 

I wrote an article about Lexington over on Medium. You can read it here...

In Case Anyone Cares, the American Revolution Began 250 Years Ago Today

Very few people read it. Of course, given the socio-political leanings of most of Medium's readership, I wasn't surprised. Sad, but not surprised. 

I wish I could get in front of the American people collectively and get right in their faces and demand an explanation for their apathy and indifference. But since I can't do that, I decided to ask ChatGPT. I asked ChatGPT why the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War went by with such little fanfare. This is its answer.

You're correct in observing that the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, marked on April 19, 2025, didn't receive the widespread national attention one might expect for such a significant milestone. Several factors contributed to this subdued commemoration:

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🇺🇸 1. Localized Celebrations Over National Spotlight

While national media coverage was limited, certain communities, particularly in Massachusetts, held extensive commemorations. Lexington and Concord hosted reenactments, parades, and ceremonies that attracted thousands of attendees, including military performances and community events . Similarly, Virginia initiated events recognizing its Revolutionary history, such as commemorations of the Fincastle Resolutions . However, these events were primarily regional and didn't translate into a cohesive national observance.​Boston.com+1AP News+1VA250

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🏛️ 2. Political Divisions and Debates Over Historical Narratives

The current polarized political climate has influenced how historical events are commemorated. Discussions around the Revolution's legacy have become entangled with contemporary debates on race, inclusion, and national identity. Some advocate for a more inclusive retelling that acknowledges the roles of women, enslaved individuals, and Indigenous peoples, while others prefer traditional narratives focusing on the Founding Fathers . This lack of consensus has made organizing unified national commemorations challenging.​PBS: Public Broadcasting ServiceWikipedia+1AASLH+1

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💸 3. Federal Funding Cuts Impacting Commemorative Efforts

Significant budget reductions under the Trump administration have affected preparations for the 250th anniversary. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) faced substantial cuts, with 80% of its staff placed on administrative leave. This led to the cancellation of grants intended for state humanities councils, which were planning various community events and educational programs for the anniversary . These financial constraints have limited the scope and reach of commemorative activities.​Axios+1AP News+1AP News+1Axios+1

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🎯 4. Focus on the Upcoming 2026 Semiquincentennial

Many organizations are directing their resources and attention toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This upcoming milestone is perceived as a more unifying national event, leading to a strategic decision to prioritize it over the 2025 commemorations of the Revolution's onset .​Reuters+3The Heritage Foundation+3America250+3

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🧭 5. Challenges in Coordinated National Planning

Efforts to organize a cohesive national commemoration have faced obstacles, including leadership changes and differing visions for the anniversary's tone and content. Disagreements over whether to present the Revolution as a celebratory event or a moment for critical reflection have hindered unified planning .​past@present

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In summary, while there were meaningful local commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution's start, a combination of political polarization, funding challenges, and strategic focus on future events contributed to the lack of a prominent national observance.

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What do you think? Do you agree with ChatGPT?

Here's my fear. I wonder how many people will notice next year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? Given how divided and unpatriotic these days we (as a people -- collectively) are, I think I know the answer. 

Thank you for reading!
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Do We Respect the Constitution?

Since Donald Trump came down that elevator and entered national politics, there has been a lot of talk about the Constitution and American democracy. That talk has only intensified during Trump 2.0.

I don't want to wade too much into contemporary politics with this article. I'm sure everyone here (like everyone in the country) has strong opinions about Donald Trump. Feel free to vent your opinions in the comments, but I would ask that we keep our main focus on the following question...

Regardless of how much Donald Trump may or may not respect the Constitution of the United States...

Do we?

Do we respect the American Constitution?

First, have you read it? If so, how many times? Could you pass a high school social studies test on the Constitution? 

Have you read about or studied the context in which the Constitution was written and ratified? Have you read The Federalist Papers (at least some of them)? 

Before you say, "Yeah, I studied all that in school" and leave it at that, consider how long ago that was. Have you brushed up on early American history since? Would you want your doctor to never look at a medical textbook again after medical school?

One last thing...

Some of the people ranting today about Donald Trump undermining or not respecting the Constitution have been the very same voices that have denigrated the American Founding Fathers. You can't have it both ways. You can't, in one conversation, hold up the Constitution as a good thing, but in the very next conversation, condemn the United States as being rotten to the very core of its founding!

For years... YEARS! ... I have blogged about the nobility and honor of America's Founders, especially George Washington. Often, my praises of the Founding Fathers have been met with attacks on the Founders for all their sins and imperfections. Yes...newsflash...the Founders were human. They didn't get everything right. It amazes me how this is supposed to be seen as (pardon the pun) revolutionary.

It's fine to point out the areas in which the American Founders fell short. That's called learning from history. But it's quite another to argue that the American Founding was hopelessly corrupt and therefore the United States of America is irredeemably evil. If that's your view, then please don't criticize Donald Trump for undermining the Constitution. 

It's understandable, even commendable, that our hearts be broken over the sins of our past. But it's nauseatingly hypocritical to expect any American today, including our President, to respect what you don't. And, let's be clear, if you don't respect the American Founders, then don't tell me you respect their handiwork: the United States of America and its Constitution.

However you vote and whatever your feelings are regarding Trump 2.0...

I hope that this period of American history will serve as an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the importance of our Constitution and the value of what our Founding Fathers gave us.