A letter written 250 years ago by John Adams to his wife Abigail reminds 21st century Americans about the bold sacrifice and binding covenant our nation’s founders made on behalf of generations to come.

“…I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.

And that posterity will triumph…”

On July 4, Americans will celebrate 250 years of triumph with the quarter millennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our nation’s founding charter of freedom. Conceived in justice and written with liberty in mind, each successive generation is called to live up to its ideals through civic responsibility and fidelity to the rule of law. Our fundamental rights are endowed by God, not the government, launching the American experiment that put power in the hands of the people with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Economic freedom untethered from government interference has empowered Americans to dream, create and innovate. Entrepreneurism is the equalizing elixir to prosperity that has enabled generations of Americans to start a business, own property and shoot for the stars. Throughout American history, each generation shoulders an expectation to reach new frontiers, secure the promise of prosperity and advance liberty’s march in pursuit of a more perfect union.

The pioneering spirit in Iowa has produced a pipeline of innovators and inventors that has made an indelible mark in history, such as agronomist and humanitarian Norman Borlaug, whose work in plant genetics saved a billion people from starvation; scientist James A. Van Allen was instrumental to U.S. space exploration; and, physicist John V. Atanasoff invented the first electronic digital computer with graduate student Clifford E. Berry at Iowa State University.

Another pillar of our American experiment is robust civic engagement. In pursuit of a more perfect union and equal protection under the law, Iowa led the nation to secure desegregation and suffrage rights, preceding ratification of the 14th Amendment. Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt led the charge for women’s suffrage, and I am proud my mother was among the first women to cast a vote after ratification of the 19th Amendment.

History shows America has what it takes to uphold the blessings of freedom and pass the baton to posterity. No matter the odds, Americans’ aspirations and resilience have survived and thrived through hardship and adversity, from wars, economic crises, natural disasters, pandemics and cultural revolutions.

The upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks brings to mind the indivisible American spirit amidst tragedy and bereavement. Indeed, a quarter-century ago the U.S. military had a historic surge in enlistment in active-duty service and reserves that reflects how successive generations have answered the call to serve since 1775, including the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, who served together and lost their lives aboard the USS Juneau in World War II.

It is an honor to represent Iowans and uphold the principles of limited government and civic engagement. In recent years, Iowans have voiced concerns about political divisions disrupting the dinner table at holiday gatherings and unraveling social cohesion in our communities. To those who worry our republic is being torn in two between the Red and the Blue, I’m proud to say I have great hope in America.

As a kid born during the Great Depression in a farmhouse with no indoor plumbing or electricity, I was blessed with a farmer’s work ethic and hope fueling my dreams. When I started farming, I was working three jobs to provide for our family. My wife Barbara was both Mom and Dad to our five children when I was working in Des Moines or Washington. Strong families are the backbone of American society. I take pride that our fourth-generation family farm helps feed and fuel the world.

On our nation’s 250th birthday, my wish is for Americans to take pride in our country and celebrate freedom and liberty which have stood the test of time. Embrace patriotism and gratitude for the sacrifices of earlier generations that allow us to celebrate this historic jubilee. From sea to shining sea, I encourage Americans from all walks to celebrate Independence Day the way John Adams foretold in his letter 250 years ago: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival…It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

Happy Independence Day, America!

Charles Grassley, a Republican from New Hartford, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.