Happy Independence Day From The Viener Family
In many ways, the Viener family story of the last century runs parallel to the story of so many families in the United States. My grandfather entered this nation through Ellis Island in the late nineteenth century. He eventually settled in West Virginia, where my family remained until 1978, when my mother, sister, and I moved to Maryland.
It was not always an easy journey. Like countless American families, each generation faced its own challenges. There were setbacks, disappointments, and times when we lost important battles, but there were also triumphs and victories that carried us forward. We embraced the American spirit, kept moving forward, and never stopped fighting for a better future.
Long before 1776, this land was already drawing people who sought freedom and opportunity. For centuries, individuals crossed oceans and frontiers in search of something better. Then, 250 years ago, those aspirations found new expression in the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our new nation. That pioneering spirit, the willingness to leave behind the familiar and strive toward a better future, has always been at the core of America.
I believe that the true strength of this nation has never rested solely with its presidents, generals, inventors, or other notable figures. It is easy, perhaps too easy, to tell history through the lives of extraordinary people. But that is only part of the story.
The United States was built, and continues to be built, by ordinary people doing extraordinary things every day. They are the families who take risks, build businesses, raise children, serve their communities, defend our nation, and quietly leave America stronger than they found it. It is through millions of individual acts of perseverance, generosity, innovation, and determination that the American story continues to be written.
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, we also celebrate 250 years of resilience, opportunity, and optimism. Ours has never been a perfect nation, but it has always been a nation willing to strive toward something better. That willingness to improve, to innovate, and to persevere is one of our greatest national traditions.
From my family to yours, Happy 250th Independence Day. May we continue building a country worthy of those who came before us and an inspiration to those who will come after us.
