Two hundred and fifty years ago, in the sweltering heat of a Philadelphia summer, a small group of men did something without precedent in modern history. They gathered, argued, deliberated, and then signed their names to a declaration that was a declaration of war against the mightiest empire on earth. They did so knowing that, if they failed, they would almost certainly hang.We mark that moment today as citizens of nations that were themselves shaped, directly or indirectly, by the audacity of what was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

This proud and boisterous occasion is undeniably tinged with both division and doubt

The US’ unique and quite phenomenal economic and political success has resulted from its own adaptations of the British inheritance, taking it in new directions.

America’s 250th birthday should be more than a commemoration. It should be an opportunity for renewal of our founding principles.