As citizens of this great nation celebrate 250 years, much will be said about America’s birthday, its beginnings and the freedoms that were once only a dream but are now realized and lived out today.

From a veteran’s perspective, this anniversary of our country carries a deeper meaning. For generations, men and women have stepped forward to serve this nation. Some served in war, some during peace, and many still carry the memories of both the good and the difficult with them every day in ways that cannot always be seen.

There is a strong chance you know a veteran who served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, other areas of the world and even stateside. 

On this 250th anniversary, honoring veterans means more than remembering their service. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom requires ongoing responsibility from every citizen. The next chapter of the nation’s story depends not only on those who served in uniform, but on all Americans choosing to strengthen their communities, uphold democratic principles and pass those values to future generations.

Samuel Adams was quoted saying in the Boston Gazette in October 1771: “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards.” Generations of veterans understood that truth. They gave their time, their strength and, in some cases, their lives to defend the freedoms we now celebrate.

Veterans did their part. The question now is: What is ours?

Thomas Paine wrote, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” For veterans, those fatigues were often carried in uniform. For the rest of us, they may look different but they are still real. They include caring for those who served, protecting the principles of freedom, teaching the next generation the responsibility of citizenship, and building communities where people are valued and supported.

These responsibilities raise important questions about how each of us can honor that sacrifice and contribute to the future of our nation:

• How do we care for those who gave their time, risked their lives, and missed precious moments with loved ones?
• How do we uphold the principles of freedom that will be required if we are to see another 250 years?
• How do we pass down to the next generation the passion and responsibility to protect democracy?
• How do we find ways to value others who call this country home as we work together to create a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren?

Benjamin Franklin is often remembered for describing America as “a republic, if you can keep it.” For 250 years, generations of Americans, including generations of veterans, have helped keep it. As we look toward the next 250 years, we also have a responsibility to play our part.

One way we play our part is by choosing to find the things worth celebrating. It is easy to see what we wish were better, and there is certainly work still to do. But gratitude reminds us why the difficult moments are worth facing. When we take time to notice what is good, honorable, courageous and hopeful, we are reminded that this nation is still worth serving, strengthening and passing on.

We also play our part by bringing our best to the conversation. That does not mean bringing our best argument simply to win or dominate. It means bringing our best character. It means being willing to learn, listen and understand. We do not have to agree on everything, but listening may show us a way forward where, together, we are better than being alone.

Finally, we play our part by holding on to our principles and refusing to let someone else decide how we will act. If another person is disrespectful, what matter is that to us? They do not control us or lead us. We decide how we will act, how we will walk with principle, and how we will show value to others.

America’s 250th anniversary should not only be a celebration of where we have been, but a recommitment to who we want to be. Veterans did their part by serving the nation. Our investment is to remember them, support them, listen to them and make sure they remain connected to the communities they helped protect.

Here at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, our part is lived out in simple but meaningful ways: Checking on a veteran who has not been seen in a while, helping a veteran connect to services, sharing a meal, listening to their story, and just reminding them they are valued.

These are approaches to honor both our veterans and America’s 250 years of freedom.

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.