This year, the greatest country on the planet turns 250 years old.

Think about that for a minute. Two hundred and fifty years of struggle, sacrifice, innovation, triumph, mistakes, corrections, and progress. Two hundred and fifty years of men and women stepping forward when their country needed them. That’s something worth celebrating.

Lately, I’ve seen entertainers and public figures refusing to participate in celebrations surrounding this historic milestone because they don’t like the current President. Well, I’ve got something to say about that.

If you hate the sitting President more than you love this country, that’s a you problem.

The 250th anniversary of America isn’t about one President. It isn’t about one political party. It isn’t about one election cycle. It’s about the United States of America. It’s about the generations of Americans who built this nation, defended it, improved it, and passed it on to the next generation.

And if celebrating America’s birthday is too much for you because of who’s currently occupying the White House, then you’re missing the entire point.

I’ll even hold the door open for you if you’re determined to leave. If you truly believe some other country is better, then by all means, go find out. But don’t expect me to apologize for loving this one.

You see, I, along with millions of other veterans, once wrote a blank check payable to “The United States of America” for an amount up to and including our lives. I wrote mine for nine years. I didn’t write that check to a President. I didn’t write it to a political party. I didn’t write it to a politician whose name would eventually be forgotten by history.

I wrote it to the United States of America.

And if I had to do it all over again, I’d sign that check without a second thought.

So yes, I take offense when people disrespect this country. Not because I think America is perfect. Far from it. We’ve made mistakes, and we’ll make more. We have flaws, challenges, and problems that still need solving.

But here’s the difference: America has always been a work in progress. We strive to be better. We debate. We disagree. We stumble. Then we get back up and keep moving forward. That’s what free people do.

I don’t believe there’s another nation on Earth that has done more to advance freedom and opportunity for more people than the United States of America. Could we be better? Absolutely. Should we keep trying to improve? Without question. We should never stop working toward a more perfect union.

But if your hatred for America outweighs your appreciation for everything this country has given you, then once again, I’ll gladly hold the door open so it doesn’t hit your ass on the way out.

As for me, I’ll be celebrating.

I hope every American has a safe, happy, and meaningful 250th anniversary celebration. Here’s to the nation that has endured for two and a half centuries, and here’s hoping for many, many more years to come.

God bless America.

That’s enough outta me for now. But don’t worry — I’ve got plenty more to say next time.
– Grandpa (Professional Ranter and Amateur Philosopher)