How capitalism missed out and failed to capitalize on America’s 250th anniversary
I love a good celebration, and Americans know how to go all-out to celebrate. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas or even a major sporting event, we decorate, we costume, we have themed and branded food, and we fête the specific holiday or milestone. And, as Americans, we go hard.
As such, I was looking forward to an all-out barrage of red, white and blue patriotism coming from every direction as we headed into 2026, the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence from England and the milestone celebrating the founding of our great country.
Now, as we are just a week away from July 4th, I find myself still looking.
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Capitalism, it seems, has failed America’s 250th anniversary.
In a land of clever people who look to lean into every possible opportunity, it seems like our 250th has been a wasted one. Sure, you can find some merchandise here and there, or your normal July 4th fare, but the economic response to this huge milestone event has been utterly milquetoast at best.
I expected to see T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and more in red, white and blue, emblazoned with oversized "America 250" and "America: Established 1776." I expected to see accessories proudly featuring the Stars and Stripes and "250." I expected every grocery store product, from condiments to candy, to feature not only limited-edition red, white and blue variations, but branding about celebrating 250 years of America.
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Where are the crazy themed decorations, the 250th balloons and the commemorative knick-knacks? Where are the blow-up Uncle Sams on the suburban lawns? Where are the special festivals and events? The big apple pie baking contests?
Why, when I walk down the street, is it not covered in red, white and blue from top to bottom and oversized "America’s 250th" banners, not just for the 4th of July, but all year long?
It seems like we have witnessed more American patriotism from foreigners visiting America for the FIFA World Cup than we have seen from American industry.
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Corporate America is usually first to jump on any theme, event or milestone. The fact that they have largely ignored America’s 250th is incredibly disappointing. For those who might say that they don’t want to get too "political," not only has it never stopped them in the past, but, moreover, the founding of our country isn’t about a political party.
In fact, America’s 250th is about all of us as individuals. America was founded on a unique idea, to uphold and protect the rights of each of us as individuals. It’s a celebration of independence and a celebration of people over government. It’s a celebration of defying odds through smarts, grit and strategy and being willing to put ideas into action.
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The country belongs to us as Americans, regardless of what you think of anyone or everyone in government at any point in time.
That is something worth celebrating, loudly, proudly and with an obscene amount of themed merchandise.
With half of the year gone, it’s a little late in the game, but it’s never too late for capitalism. I hope that July 4th will mark the beginning of a wave of in-your-face patriotism. We have the greatest country in the world and that deserves appropriate celebration.