Orange County, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, launched the “Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States” (USA250-OC) on January 14th, with the aim of promoting community unity and focusing on the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights throughout the year 2026, inspiring people to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, was invited to speak at the Nixon Library, discussing the founding principles of the United States and his new book “The Pursuit of Happiness,” published in 2024.
Chairman of the Nixon Presidential Foundation and Co-Chair of USA250-OC, Jim Byron, reflected on the issuance of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which will mark its 250th anniversary next year. In December 2025, a year-long “Spirit of 76” exhibition will commence, showcasing 250 historical artifacts, including rare portraits of George Washington and the first batch of light bulbs produced by Thomas Edison.
“As a descendant of Spanish and peasant ancestry, I have never ceased to appreciate the democracy and freedom enjoyed by citizens of this great country,” said host Gaddi Vasquez. “The powerful initiatives we present tonight will provide information, inspire, and offer an opportunity to reflect on the foundation, history, and resilience of our nation.” Vasquez, a former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Peace Corps Director, and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
During the event, the actor portraying General George Washington, a founding father of the United States, spoke, conveying the teachings he received from his farmer father – the importance of having goals, serving others, possessing virtues, and understanding that success is determined by God’s will when one strives to do what is right.
Rosen explained that the works of Stoic philosophers read by General Washington in his youth instilled in him the belief that pursuing happiness means being a virtuous person, seeking enduring virtues rather than immediate pleasures. “Virtue and happiness are intertwined and inseparable; if individuals cannot identify virtues in both personal and political figures, the republic will perish,” Rosen emphasized.
Former Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Donald Wagner and newly appointed Chairman Doug Chaffee attended the event, joined by local officials such as Mayor Joshua Sweeney of Laguna Hills, Mayor Scott Voigts and Vice Mayor Robert Pequeño of Lake Forest, Councilmember Michelle Barto of Newport Beach, School Commissioner Tim Shaw of Orange County, K-12 Education Director Stefan Bean, and Chair of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Jeffrey Ball.
Wagner stated, “We need these founding documents – the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution – to elucidate our core principles; and then each generation has a responsibility to practice and uphold these principles.” The Board of Supervisors will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day next week, urging people to return to the principles of equality for all.
Rosen introduced a collaboration between the Constitution Center and filmmaker Ken Burns, with a six-part, approximately 12-hour documentary series, “American Revolution,” set to premiere on November 16. Burns, using primary sources, tells the stories of both famous and ordinary heroes, with historians reflecting on their experiences, changing the way Americans learn history by intricately explaining its complexities and significance.
The National Constitution Center, a non-profit constitutional research institution established under the Constitution Heritage Act signed by President Reagan in 1988, has an interactive museum near the Liberty Bell in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, open since July 4, 2003.
Rosen highlighted the importance of imparting history in a non-partisan manner, citing it as a crucial aspect amidst partisan strife today. With increasing polarization, even citizens aligned with different parties interpret American history through different lenses. Extremes exaggerate either the perfection or evil of America in a non-constructive manner.
“The non-partisan mission of the Constitution Center acts as both a constraint and an inspiration, meaning we do not discuss politics but rather prompt citizens to set aside their political views and focus solely on what the Constitution permits and prohibits,” Rosen remarked. “We ask students to think like constitutional lawyers. Regardless of how controversial the issue, such as gun control, you must first acquire knowledge, read texts, understand history, review Supreme Court decisions, and then make your own judgment,” he continued, stressing the need to respect individuals’ sanctity and wisdom.
Co-Chair of USA250-OC, Jo Ellen Chatham, mentioned ongoing collaborations with local school districts to launch the first honors AP Civics course, already approved by the University of California, where students learn civics on middle school campuses or at presidential libraries. Chatham, a former Director of the Public Policy Center at Concordia University Irvine and Public Affairs Director of Southern California Edison.
“The best way to educate is through experiential learning. Over the past three years, we have taken students to Washington, D.C., for the National Strategic Summit; this year, we plan to triple the number of students experiencing civic education,” Chatham mentioned. Learning history is about drawing lessons to avoid repeating mistakes and acknowledging how those who endured hardships overcame challenges.
“Including General Washington and his soldiers, none of us are perfect, but we can strive to be better. That is the essence of pursuing happiness,” Chatham added. “One phrase encapsulates our endeavor: ‘America is the perfect idea, the United States of America is a work in progress,’ meaning we can make America better.” ◇