Jones III: One way to make America’s story feel really alive

The United States turns 250 years old in July. That alone is remarkable.

Why? Because republics are fragile things. History is filled with empires that rose brilliantly and collapsed quickly. The story of civilization is often the story of the few ruling the many — of conquest, corruption and moral decay. And yet, against historical odds, this American experiment in self-government has endured for two and a half centuries.

A little over a year ago, I’d found myself asking a simple question: What could I contribute to such a milestone?

So I wrote a novel. It’s called The Unlikely Life of Oliver Atkinson.

It came out in February — and not because the world needed another book, but because I’ve heard too many adults and children describe history as “boring.” I wanted to prove that it is everything but that!

My story imagines the founding of the country through the eyes of a child — an immigrant, an orphan, an indentured servant — who finds himself swept into the chaos of the Boston Tea Party aboard The Beaver, one of the ships raided that night. He is eventually taken in by Paul Revere and introduced to the world of the Sons of Liberty. The Unlikely Life of Oliver Atkinson describes his patriotic adventure.

But the story isn’t really about one boy. It’s about us.

Back then, America itself was young, uncertain and vulnerable. The men and women who shaped it were not marble statues. They were flesh and blood — farmers, printers, merchants, mothers soldiers. Some were free. Some were enslaved. All were living inside a moment that demanded courage.

As I researched and wrote, I rediscovered something I had not fully appreciated before: how much they risked.

The signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” That wasn’t poetic flourish. It was a literal death warrant if the Revolution failed.

My own ancestor, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland, signed his name boldly and added “of Carrollton” so the British would know exactly which Charles Carroll he was. He was one of the wealthiest men in America at the time. He had everything to lose and nothing materially to gain. Yet he signed anyway.

Why? Because this is what greatness does. Liberty, self-rule and equality under law are not the natural order of history. They are rare. They must be chosen. And then defended.

Today, many wonder whether the American experiment is in decline. Some predict collapse. Others seem eager for it. And yes, our nation was born imperfect. The Founders knew that. Compromise was required to defeat a greater threat. The Constitution they produced was fragile, being dependent on virtue, not just laws.

Two hundred fifty years later, the question is not whether America is flawless. It never was. The question is whether we still possess the character required to sustain freedom.

Gratitude is a good starting point — gratitude for the men who left their families for battle. Gratitude for the women who kept homes and businesses intact. Gratitude for those who argued fiercely, prayed earnestly, sacrificed deeply, and built imperfectly — but built something extraordinary.

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, perhaps the best way to celebrate is not merely with fireworks, but with remembrance. Reintroduce yourself to the story of our founding. Teach it to your children. Reflect on what was risked. Live in a way worthy of what was given.

The American experiment has survived wars, depressions, and internal division. Its survival into a third century is not guaranteed.

Benjamin Franklin famously described the country as “a republic, if you can keep it.”
It is still ours to keep.

David Jones III is a historical fiction writer living in Myrtle Beach. His book is available on Amazon for $19.95. More: davidjones3.com