In a letter marking the United States' upcoming 250th birthday, former President Donald Trump reflected on the nation's history, spirit, and the enduring promise of its future.
"On this wonderful occasion of the 250th birthday of the United States of America, we celebrate our history, our heroes, our flag, our freedom, our unyielding spirit, and the promise of even more greatness that lies ahead," Trump wrote. He emphasized a shared tradition of winning, stating, "This is what makes our country unique. We are winners."
Trump recounted the opening shots of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He described ordinary citizens – farmers, blacksmiths, and shopkeepers – firing on British soldiers from behind cover, marking the beginning of the war and "the dawn of the first light of American freedom that forever stands as a beacon of hope to the world."
The letter also referenced the Civil War (1861-1865), calling it the nation's bloodiest conflict and its greatest test, fought for the abolition of slavery. Trump stated that through "courage, sacrifice and the unshakeable belief that all men are created equal, the United States was forged into one indivisible nation under God."
He credited generations of patriots for building the nation, highlighting their sacrifices in battles, contributions to infrastructure, victories in world wars, and their ability to achieve the impossible. Trump also noted the nation's history of welcoming people from around the globe.
However, Trump cautioned against losing national cohesion, writing, "We all had winning and cohesion in common — but this is a warning: We must not lose the cohesion."
For the nation's future, he stressed the importance of being "strong, powerful and honest," advocating for fair elections and a free press, which he asserted are currently lacking. Trump concluded with a message of resilience: "We are Americans. We never give in, we never give up, and our country is only going to get better than ever before."