As Virginia and America celebrate our 250th anniversary, we are reminded that this nation was not born easily. It emerged from a brutal war that began in 1775, was defined by the Declaration of Independence in 1776, secured with victory in 1783, and ultimately structured by the Constitution in 1787. Together, these consequential events produced one of the most important democratic experiments in world history — one rooted in the rejection of tyranny and the belief that ordinary citizens could govern themselves.
That belief is captured most clearly in the Constitution’s opening words, “We the People.” Those three words remain as powerful today as they were nearly two and a half centuries ago. They affirm that self-government is not reserved for a select few, but belongs to all citizens, regardless of how or where they choose to engage. Democracy, however, is not self-sustaining. It must be practiced, taught and passed on to each generation.
The 250th anniversary offers more than a celebration of past achievements. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come — and how much work remains. Thomas Jefferson understood this when he wrote in 1789, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” The founders’ faith in an informed public marked a radical departure from the monarchies of Europe, replacing kings and queens with elected representatives accountable to the people.
Here in Virginia, that history is especially close to home. From the battles at Kemps Landing and Great Bridge, a British fleet off of Gosport in Portsmouth, to the burning of Norfolk and the internal divisions over slavery, the Revolutionary War left an indelible mark on our region. These stories remind us that freedom has always required sacrifice, debate and participation. I encourage reading Norfolk native Andrew Lawler’s book, “A Perfect Frenzy,” to get the real story of the Revolution here in Hampton Roads. It’s very readable and tells the local history of what we all have heard about but never really knew what really happened.
Throughout this anniversary year, Virginia Beach and other localities will be hosting programs, events and educational opportunities that bring this history to life. Reading local histories, attending public lectures, re-watching documentaries or joining walking tours are not just acts of remembrance — they are acts of civic engagement. They connect us to the system the patriots envisioned: a government of, by and for the people.
As we mark America’s 250th year, the most meaningful tribute we can offer is not simply celebration, but in active civic engagement. Active citizen engagement recently in Virginia Beach, for example, on the topics of Rudee Loop Park, our local voting system, and the Virginia Aquarium had an impact on our City Council and our city. Councilmembers with the help of city staff conduct town halls throughout the year, and citizens attend, ask questions and express their opinions. And every first Tuesday of every month, we have “Open Mic Night” where citizens are allowed three minutes to address the City Council on any topic or issue.
Our democracy can only survive if we remain informed, involved and committed to the shared responsibility of self-government. In response to a question at the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 about what type of government America would have, Benjamin Franklin reputedly said “A republic, if you can keep it.”
And how do we “keep it”? By engaging and participating.
Worth Remick is a member of Virginia Beach City Council and serves as a liaison to the Virginia Beach VA 250 Committee.
