When the United States marked the bicentennial in 1976, the celebration came at a moment of national unease, and yet, Americans celebrated. The bicentennial was a commemoration of the past and a reaffirmation of identity. Even if it was not explicitly framed as a declaration of American exceptionalism, that is what it was. It reminded a weary nation that its story will never stall in crisis, and that its capacity for renewal is exceptional.
Now, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we are again navigating economic strain, institutional skepticism, and a sense of uncertainty about the future.
And once again, the nation has tangible reminders—not rhetorical assertions, but real-world demonstrations—that the American story of ambition, capability, and progress remains.
Consider just two examples. In one case, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific, two powerful rail companies that are critical to the American story, are combining to maximize efficiency and lower the cost of goods for Americans. In the other, the forward-looking mission of NASA’s Artemis program is reigniting America’s sense of exploration and innovation.
They are 21st-century versions of Manifest Destiny—more than geographic doctrine, a mindset that keeps the American spirit alive.
The original transcontinental railroad, authorized under Abraham Lincoln in 1862, emerged during the Civil War, another period of national doubt. When the country’s survival was in question, America chose to build rather than retreat. The railroad was a transportation project, but it was also a show of confidence about a unified future.
Today, by linking our major freight networks into a seamless coast-to-coast system, the rail industry will eliminate costly interchanges that define our fragmented rail structure. Goods that face delays, inefficiencies, and added costs will soon move across the country on a single, integrated network.
Our policymakers are working to improve supply chain resilience, increase domestic manufacturing, and cut costs for all Americans. That means logistics has become a critical economic variable. By reducing inefficiencies, the rail merger will help lower transportation costs, speed the movement of goods, and enable large-scale industrial activity that is important for long-term economic strength.
The rail companies know their place in the American story. Union Pacific will mark America’s 250th anniversary with commemorative locomotives. Its No. 1776 will adopt the America250-theme, and its legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will be launched on a historic coast-to-coast journey to remind Americans that the systems that once united our nation can inspire unity of purpose again.
NASA’s Artemis program is helping America once again reach beyond its terrestrial boundaries. Its liftoff this week is part of America’s ambitious plan to one day establish a permanent presence on the Moon, and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars. Artemis will extend the domain of human activity far into new worlds, and it will ensure that America remains at the forefront of this newest expansion.
These developments reflect a willingness of America to always think big. They embody a belief that American innovation and integration—of networks, of markets, of capabilities—is our greatest source of strength.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the opportunity to commemorate our past can ignite our spirit to always reach further.
In every moment of crisis and uncertainty, Americans regained confidence by their trust in the American spirit. Today, that same spirit is once again moving America forward.
Andrew Langer is President of the Institute for Liberty.