Commentary: Is America still worth celebrating?

We all know America’s story. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned what became one of the most famous documents in history. America declared that we were done with tyranny and boldly stated that every man has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our founding fathers used these principles to create a country where people could live free and govern themselves.
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Soon after, their framework was celebrated and spread across the globe. Without the courage and wisdom of these patriots, the world would look a lot different today.
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As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I can’t help but reflect on today’s public sentiment. Once a nation marked by widespread patriotism, America now wrestles with political division, economic uncertainty and growing distrust in its institutions, leaving many citizens frustrated, bitter and resentful. This has contributed to a surprising lack of enthusiasm for this year’s historic milestone. Some Americans have even claimed that Independence Day is no longer worth celebrating.

I disagree.
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Although the United States faces challenges, we continue to be a model to the world, championing freedom that fosters prosperity. This Independence Day, let’s shift our perspective and look at what we have to be thankful for.
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One reason America remains worth celebrating is its unmatched culture of innovation. From the airplane to the internet, many of the technologies that define modern life were created in the United States.

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These innovations are not accidental. They reflect a system that rewards risk-taking and creativity. This legacy of innovation helps explain why America continues to be associated with opportunity and advancement; attributes well worth celebration.
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America’s ingenuity doesn’t just produce new technology; it also drives economic prosperity and a higher standard of living.
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According to the 2025 Global Wealth Report, a net worth of over $100,000 places someone in the top 16% of global wealth holders. A majority of Americans will reach this milestone, often by their thirties.
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But wealth is only part of the picture. The contrast becomes even clearer when looking at basic necessities. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1.7 billion people worldwide consume feces-contaminated water, and 292 million people must walk 30 minutes just to collect any water.
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Looking from this perspective, Americans are immersed in a culture of prosperity that we often take for granted. While many Americans still face economic challenges, our standard of living surpasses that of many other countries, and that is worth celebrating.
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Another reason America deserves celebration is that we are the “Land of the Free.” While our founding fathers intended for the United States to be the world’s strongest defender of freedom, a lack of trust in institutions has led many to believe they don’t control their own lives.
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So truly, how free is America?
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While America is listed as a free country by Freedom House, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and a few other countries rank higher. Interestingly, each of these has a population comparable to that of major American cities. Governing a nation of 340 million people with diverse cultures, beliefs and interests presents challenges on an entirely different scale. In fact, of the ten most populated countries in the world, Brazil
and the US are the only two considered free.
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That said, freedom is a unique virtue, and it is becoming rarer. Only 21% of the world’s population lives in a country classified as free. Twenty years ago, this number was 46%. Therefore, the growing rarity of freedom and the feat of keeping the world’s third most populous country free are great reasons to celebrate.
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Living in a free country allows us freedom of speech, worship and participation in public life without fear of government censorship. This is not the case in places like China, where the government holds vast power over public discourse and even religion.

​Per the Department of State, authorities require Chinese Communist Party members and members of the military to be atheists. As for other Chinese citizens, participation in the wrong religious group could result in imprisonment.
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Sadly, this is the reality in many countries worldwide. Therefore, Americans’ liberties deserve recognition because they allow every citizen to help shape the direction of our nation through their voice, actions and vote.
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In conclusion, the decision on whether Independence Day is worth celebrating comes down to what we can see with our own eyes. Every day, we see examples of people speaking their minds, pursuing opportunities, advancing financially, and gathering with their community. Although the American dream may look different in 2026, we are still living that dream. Today, let’s pause and give thanks for what we have, for the incredible story of America, and for the people who helped build this nation.
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So happy birthday, America, let’s party like it’s 1776!

Tyler Mertes is a local CPA and financial coach who is passionate about helping others better understand and manage their finances. He values serving others and making a positive impact in their lives. He, his wife Haley, and their dog Romeo reside in Wausau, Wisconsin.