Americans of all ages and beliefs can rededicate themselves to USA’s founding principles

OPINION:

As millions of Americans are poised to celebrate the important milestone of America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence today and through the weekend, there is a wonderful larger opportunity presented to us all. Today – July 4th – marks the first day of our 250th year, but surely not the last.

When the day is over, from today’s fun-to-watch parades, awe-inspiring fireworks displays, patriotic concerts and fiery political speeches, the celebration really should just be starting, not ending. And that’s why an exciting new initiative has been launched to involve all Americans in a longer, more meaningful ongoing celebration and commitment to the uplifting values upon which the nation was founded.

Sign ON 250 is the name of a national campaign that is creating a positive, prolonged, patriotic period of national unity – and it’s giving all of us an opportunity to make a personal commitment to the USA’s founding aspirational promises of Freedom, Equality, Independence and “… Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

The National League of Cities — which represents and advocates for more than 19,000 cities, towns and villages and the millions of Americans who live there — has partnered with America’s Newspapers, the national trade group whose members report on the history being made in every community. They unveiled Sign ON 250 earlier this week. They are joined by other partners — the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida – and The James Madison Institute, a highly respected think tank that advocates for free-market capitalism, the rule of law, economic liberty, and the principles that have made our nation great.

Sign ON 250 invites Americans of all ages, from all regions and backgrounds, to come together on the common ground of the Declaration of Independence’s uplifting principles. How? Simply go to the SignON250.org website – and digitally Sign ON and add your name to the surging numbers of fellow citizens who want to make some history of their own by joining the original 56 signers from 1776.

Young people in their classrooms, families in their living rooms, people at their workplaces, our military men and women at bases here and globally – all can take this wonderful action step to truly and personally celebrate our love of country. On any screen or tablet, including cell phones, all Americans can reflect their patriotism with a simple act of dedication to the Declaration of Independence’s hopeful virtues for us all.

To Sign ON, there is no charge – it’s as free as America. Everyone’s data is private and protected. Patriotic corporate citizens are expected to support and sponsor the initiative going forward – to smartly associate their proud brands with this year-long campaign that promises to unite Americans through the entire next year of our 250th anniversary as a country.

Sadly, it seems the last time America was gripped by a national period of unity was in the aftermath of the tragedy of 911. That horrific attack bridged any gaps among us, if even briefly, because we all felt united in caring about so many innocent lives lost and the scarring attack on our homeland. That was nearly 25 years ago, and that somber anniversary is coming in September.

We need to find positive aspects of American life to bring us together, as often as possible, despite any differences in this most divided time in modern history. Sign ON 250 has created a truly high common ground for Americans to stand united – as we honor and recommit to the values and virtues that began the world’s great, successful experiment in true democracy.

Sachs Media’s Dr. Karen Cyphers conducted a survey of 1,500 American adults June 12-14 and more than 9 in 10 (92%) called the Declaration’s values important, with 2 in 3 saying very important. That nearly unanimous number was a unified sentiment across the fault lines that often divide us today. Democrats came in at 93%, independents at 86%, Republicans at 98%. City, suburb, and small town landed within 2 points of one another. Men and women, young and old – all in relative agreement.

The survey showed that Americans’ appetite for signing the Declaration is widespread: More than 3 in 4 (76%) said they’d gladly add their name to the Declaration as a stamp of approval for the values it embodies. Another 7 in 10 said they would encourage friends, family, and neighbors to add their names, too. Signing ON is something Americans have a healthy and patriotic interest in being a part of, meaningfully and personally.

Grammy-nominated country music star Billy Dean wrote and recorded an upbeat anthem “Sign ON” to boost the national campaign, and it’s already becoming a big popular hit. The song is inviting all Americans to “Sign ON — to the American Story – write your name in history” with a digital “stroke of your pen.”

From now until July 4, 2027, America has an opportunity presented to us by our shared history to embrace, endorse, and enthusiastically reflect gratitude and support for the principles that bind us all together in our love of freedom, family, friends, community, and country. So, please, let’s all Sign ON and share the opportunity with our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. SignON250.org invites you to add your symbolic signature to the Declaration of Independence.

• Ron Sachs, Founder/Chairman of Sachs Media, conceived the idea of “Sign ON 250” to bring Americans together for the next year. He may be reached at [email protected].