250 Years of Freedom

Traditional Fourth of July fireworks and festivities will feature a little extra this year, with America’s 250th birthday. It’s a good time to reflect on U.S. history and the foundations for our success. “There’s so much to be proud of in our countries history” remarked Idaho State Historian, HannaLore Hein. “These different arenas include innovation, development of new technologies, opportunity that has existed in this country for individuals and for organizations , and just the growth and the progress that the country has led the world in deserves a moment of praise.”Agriculture has long been a central part of America’s success, as productive farms have yielded abundant food and positive economic impacts.  The incredible service by our military has also been crucial, and many veterans are involved in farming. “Patriotism is something that’s ingrained in a big part of our culture,” said Tommy McMurren of Five Patriots Farms in Illinois, whose family has had generations of military service. “I think it’s encoded in our genetics.”While our nation faces challenges, optimism continues to many, including Tyler Adams, Vice President of Sales for Willard Agri-Service on the East Coast. Tyler carried out nine years of active duty in the U.S. Army, including in Afghanistan. “The core of this country is the things I'm really the most optimistic about” Adams said. “It's the ones quietly coaching the kids' sports teams, the ones running the small business, the ones that are raising good kids and families and engaging their communities. They know what America is all about, and that's about working together as a team, building something that's real, showing up.”