By Jerry duPhily
So, here we are. The inaugural month of a year-long America 250 celebration.
Out & About is proud to play a role in Wilmington’s and Delaware’s recognition of this major milestone. And our sister company, Event Allies, is honored to be managing showcase events for this celebration — from Separation Day in Historic New Castle (June 12-13) to the Delaware 250 celebration on Wilmington’s Riverfront (July 4).
This issue also marks the first installment of our Wilmington 250 series. For the next 12 months, we’ll be sharing the story behind historic landmarks throughout Greater Wilmington. We begin with Willingtown Square (pg. 15).
However, before the festivities begin, I have a suggestion — brush up on your American history. A celebration is more rewarding if you understand its purpose.
Personally, I’ve found Ken Burns’ documentary, The American Revolution (currently airing on PBS), an entertaining trip back to junior high history class. As usual, Burns has transformed exhaustive research into engaging storytelling. You’ll quickly realize you’ve forgotten more than you knew you had forgotten.
Next, may I suggest a reading of the document that launched this grand experiment — the Declaration of Independence. It will take just minutes — it’s only 133 words — but it should be required reading during this semiquincentennial — especially the part about all men being created equal.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Finally, for extra credit, work your way through the U.S. Constitution. It’s a bit beefier than the Declaration (just over 4,500 words), but is there a more vital document in our country today?
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I recognize this is an old school ask in this age of AI and TikTok. Truth is, it should be a requirement of citizenship.
It’s been 250 years. People forget. We owe it to our forefathers — and ourselves — to make 2026 a year of retrospection.
Much was sacrificed for “the pursuit of happiness” we enjoy today. And while our visionary founding fathers created a system of government that is a model for the world, those “inalienable rights” remain a goal, not a guarantee.
So, while a degree of self-congratulation is warranted, let’s not forget that our country is still a grand experiment. In the context of world history, 250 years is a long weekend. England, France, China . . . they have buildings a thousand years older than us.
Yes, this journey has been remarkable. Let the fireworks fly. But take a moment to reflect on how we got here. And more importantly, why.
