In the Spirit of 1783: The Epic Patriotic Celebration for 1776 and USA 250

The beginning of July is a special time of celebration for the USA as we recall our independence.  That spirit is emphasized even more so during the year 2026.  It's an opportunity to connect with the roots of our nation, and be inspired anew in patriotism.  This country means so much to me, so I was eager to partake in the festivities that distinguish this year.

And so it was on a summery evening when I got in Avila on Friday, June 12, for a road trip to Wisconsin.  Catholic Vote hosted a Zeale for America 250 rally, in close proximity to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when the USA was consecrated to the Sacred Heart.

I departed around 6 PM, and headed in a northerly and westerly direction into Wisconsin.  Around 10:20 PM hour, I arrived at my hotel for the night in Tomah.  (Please note that in this post, times stated are mostly CDT, until I make another note later.)

The next morning, I departed at around 10:30 AM and drove about an hour west to La Crosse.  I met up with Mary Schaal, who I know from Ascension Parish, who came to the rally with her daughter and two of her granddaughters.  We first walked to the LaCrosse Center.  On the side facing the Mississippi River was the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum.  Inside were displays about the founding of the USA.  Upon entering, two people from Zeale, the news organization of Catholic Vote, asked us a few questions.  One interactive display in the museum had questions from the citizenship test.  I answered all 10 correctly.

The exterior of the museum

Wall of American Heroes

The screen congratulates me on passing the series of citizenship questions.

I included my signature on the Declaration of Independence in this display.

A display on the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution

Mary likely took this photo of me inside the museum.

A fellow visitor photographed me outside the museum.

When I finished there, I took a quick joyride over the Mississippi River to Minnesota and then back. 

The Welcome to Minnesota sign

Once I parked, I found a great place for lunch, Pickerman's, where I got a fabulous sandwich.  Then I headed back to the La Crosse Center, and went inside to partake of the pre-rally buzz.  I was very excited to meet Josh Mercer, Vice President of Catholic Vote, and one of the regular panelists on the Loopcast podcast.  There were plenty of other displays and vendors, along with Michael Knowles posing for photos.

Here I am with Catholic Vote Vice President Josh Mercer, who also is a panelist on The Loopcast.  I think someone on staff with Catholic Vote took this photo.

An exhibit on the Shroud of Turin inside

The view of the Mississippi River from the La Crosse Center

At 2 PM, the doors to the ballroom opened.  The rally was set to begin at 3 PM, but there was a pre-rally show.  The whole event had a great line-up of speakers.

Kelsey talked about how we can live as saints now in the USA, sharing examples of many Catholics who helped consecrate this country in living out their faith.

Cardinal Burke had many great insights to share about patriotism, which he defined as a love for country in recognition of how the country has the role of upholding the common good.

Tom Pogasic speaks.

Cardinal Burke leads us in prayer.

Father Ambrose Criste, O.P., leads us in the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Bradley Banning performs.

Kelsey Reinhardt speaks.

Because I intended to return that evening so I could be ready for a Quinceañera celebration in the family the following day, I left the rally around 4:20.  I stopped for Mass at a nearby church before I began my return to Oak Park.  Along the way, I stopped in Wisconsin Dells to have dinner at Culver's.  It was delightful to eat outside.

I had the strawberry fields salad, a great summer seasonal favorite, and I think that was a berry-flavored lemon ice drink.

Here's the final mileage when I returned to Oak Park.

Later, I watched the archived video to hear the other amazing speakers at the rally.  Coach Lombardi and Cecilia Jean both spoke about putting faith into action in their lives and work.  Isabel Brown talked about how important faith has been in the history of the USA.

Michael Knowles had many thoughtful observations on the American Revolution, which he said was so conservative, it shouldn't necessarily be called a revolution, becuase it was about preserving a state in which the people could live in liberty.  Furthermore, there were aspects of the government created in the founding era that touched on Catholic philosophical principles, especially those espoused by St. Thomas Aquinas.  (You can view the entire event here.)

When July arrived, I was excited to celebrate the profound days of the anniversary of the Independence of the USA. I had the day off work on July 2, and I zealously celebrated the anniversary of the vote in Congress on the Independence resolution.  After starting my day at Church for Mass, I reached back to some favorite programs.  I watched the Liberty's Kids episode on Independence, which inspired me as a middle schooler.  Then, I viewed the Discovering the USA program, a tour video of the USA.  My Grandma's friend Selma gave it to me as a gift, and I watch it once a year in celebration of the Independence of the USA.  It always inspires me, especially the opening and finale segments, and in between is an overview of various places in each region of the USA.  

This shake from Hole in the Wall had mixed berries, which gave it a nice patriotic flair.

I cooked this turkey breast in the crockpot, and it was part of my dinner--please see photo below

Also, I cooked turkey meat to have a grand, celebratory meal.

Dee, on staff at the Oak Park Public Library, photographed me with a book about the Declaration of Independence when I came to check it out at the Maze Branch.

The following evening, on July 3, I watched A Capitol Fourth on PBS, which had a great line-up of presenters and music.

On the morning of July 4, I went to Mass at St. Odilo, and Father Bart offered some great insights in his homily about loving this country, the place where God has put us to live for His purposes, and how we should strive to uphold this country.

Shortly after 9 AM, I had my computer open to the livestream of the Declaration of Independence Ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  Although there was extreme heat in WAshington, D.C., that day which suspended outdoor activities, I was glad that this ceremony still happened, taking place inside.  There were great remarks from the keynote speakers.  Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins spoke about the power of the Declaration of Independence and remarked how amazing it is we can see it today in the National Archives.  US Representative Elise Stefanik reflected on the extraordinary events of July 1776 and how, through great toil, our country emerged great.  Rodney Slater spoke about the power of the ideas in the Declaration.  (Here's a link to the ceremony video.)

It ended with "America the Beautiful".  While it was sung, I saw the time 10:36 on the clock, reminding me of the beloved home where I grew up.

After it ended, I hopped on my bike and went to Whittier School, where the Oak Park parade was ending.  I got to meet Olympian Emery Lehman.

Emery Lehman is to the left of me in the photo.  I can't remember the name of the lady to the far left, who is also an Olympian with an Oak Park connection.

One of the floats at the end of the Oak Park parade.

Later that day, I joined with family at my uncle's house for a celebratory meal.  We stayed dry inside while a storm came.  

Here I am with my patriotic-colored dessert. I believe Uncle Bernie photographed me.

It was over in time for fireworks back in my beloved neighborhood of my youth.

Above are the fireworks.  Below, one of the spectators in the neighborhood photographed me after the show ended.

Even after July 4, there was still more celebration in store.  I headed east to participate.  

First, I took advantage of free admission at National Park sites during the Independence Holiday weekend to visit Indiana Dunes National Park.

Then, around 5:45-5:50 PM CDT on the evening of Monday, July 6, 2026, I got in the car of fellow parishioner Brian, and he took me to Chicago Union Station.  I then went to the Great Hall to wait for the boarding call for Amtrak train #41, the eastbound/southbound Floridian train.  

The Floridian train I rode is fourth from the top on the Departures side of the info board.

It was delayed because the equipment was released late from the yard.  By 7 PM, we were on the platform for boarding.  It departed around 7:11 PM CDT.   There was plenty of daylight available to admire the views as the train headed from Chicago into northern Indiana.  During the ride, I followed Google's live updates of the USA vs. Belgium game.  (Please note, that in this part of the post, I travel into the Eastern Time Zone, and so times are EDT, unless otherwise specified, specifically on the day of my return.)

I was in the front passenger car, and here's the view of the engine in front.

I settled into sleep mode by the time the train reached Waterloo.  During the night, I got off the train for fresh air at Toledo and Cleveland.

Around 5 AM EDT, the train reached Pittsburgh.  I detrained for my layover before the next train.  I wandered around in downtown Pittsburgh, all the way to Divine Mercy Parish, and to a plaza where I prayed with the backdrop of a fountain. I also got breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels.

The fountain in the plaza at US Steel Tower

Here's the view as I get in line to board the eastbound Pennsylvanian train.

I was back at the station around 7:10, and boarding was already underway for train #42, the eastbound Pennsylvanian.  It departed at 7:30.  For the next several hours, I enjoyed wonderful views of Pennsylvania, including the Appalachian highlands, the Altoona Curve, and the Susquehanna River on the approach to Harrisburg, which was the one station where passengers were offered a fresh air stop.  During the ride, I read and watched the first episode of Life is Worth Living.

The scene looking out the last car of the Pennsylvanian train while traveling the Altoona Curve.

Here's an Avelia Liberty NextGen Acela train, in the near distance, as the Pennsylvanian train arrives at Philadelphia.

On this train info board inside the William H. Gray III-30th Street Station in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvanian train appears third from the top.

Shortly before 3 PM, the train arrived at Philadelphia William H. Gray III-30th Street Station. I detrained and headed for the SEPTA train platform to ride a short distance to the Jefferson Station.  Once there, I exited, and walked to my AirBnb lodgings to get my luggage settled.

Then I headed straight to the L Line at Market Street, the light-rail subway SEPTA train, and rode it to 5th Street.  From there, it was a short walk to Independence Hall.  I recently noticed that Independence National Historical Park was offering an expanded tour of the hall that included the 2nd floor in addition to the first floor.  I arrived right before the 4:20 start time, which was enough time for me to browse a special exhibit in the West Wing (please see the three photos directly below), and to shop in the East Wing.  

Once the tour started, our group ascended the stairs to the 2nd level, the location of the colonial governor's chambers.  It also included a large gathering space used for special occasions.  After Sarah, the guide, talked about the 2nd floor, we had the chance to look around for a few minutes.  I soon realized that Sarah was the same guide for an Independence Hall tour I did 4 years ago.

The view out the window looking north along Independence Mall

Stairs leading up beyond the second floor

In the Governor's Chamber

Above and below are views of the committee room, which is where the Pennsylvania legislature met while the Continental Congress met in the Assembly Room on the first floor.

Sarah leads the tour.

Here's a map of the eastern part of what is now the USA.

I liked seeing this instrument.

A view of the large space on the second floor.

Here is the view of the Governor's chamber, with an astronomical device to the right.

Then we headed to the courtroom--please see photo below. 

From there, we finished in the Assembly Room, where Sarah talked about the history of the Declaration of Independence.

A fellow visitor photographed me in the Assembly Room.

The tour ended right about 5 PM.   I walked a short distance east to the Museum of the American Revolution, where I viewed a special exhibit on the Declaration of Independence--please see the three photos below.  

Near the entrance of the exhibit is this display, with a chair that Thomas Jefferson used appearing to the left and to the right is a seat that Pastor Martin Luther King, Jr., used when in the Birmingham jail.

I departed just before the museum closed at 6 PM. Since it was a splendid evening, I decided to walk east to Penn's Landing, which involved a detour around some construction work on the typical walking approach.

Then I walked west and went to get dinner at Wawa.  I found a bench on Independence Hall to enjoy my dinner, a turkey sub and meatballs.

Above is my dinner showing the meatballs, and the hoagie sandwich, which is also below.

From there, I walked to a Trader Joe's store near my lodgings to get a few items.  And then I retired to my lodgings for the evening, arriving around 8 PM.  I watched part of the musical 1776, which was so fitting in Philadelphia, where it is set.

The next morning, Wednesday, July 8, I awoke shortly before 7 AM.  

The sunrise out my bedroom window.

I was at St. John the Evangelist Parish for 7:45 Mass.  Then I walked about 10 minutes back to my lodgings for breakfast.

The exterior of St. John the Evangelist appears along Arch Street.

A few minutes after 9 AM, I began a round of sightseeing.  I stopped to visit the Liberty Bell, and then visited the Museum of the American Revolution for a short time.  I also stopped at the Ben Franklin Post Office, which offers a special postmark for mail.

A fellow visitor photographed me by the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall appearing in the distance.

Decorative bells like this one in the Independence National Historical Park Visitors' Center appeared in various places in Philadelphia.

Above is the interior of the Benjamin Franklin Post Office and below is the exterior.

A fellow visitor photographed me in the Museum of the American Revolution.

Then I returned to my lodgings once final time to gather my luggage.  

The outside of my lodgings

My bedroom

Desk space in the bedroom

On my way back to Independence NHP, I got a turkey sandwich at the Reading Terminal Market.  

Around 11:30 or so, I was back at Independence NHP for a truly special event.  There's an annual reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776, and I was looking forward to being in Philadelphia for the 250th anniversary reenactment.  Just a moment after crossing Chestnut along 5th Street, a person with a volunteer shirt handed me a Declaration broadside so I could follow along.

My excitement grew as I headed into the square.  There were many gathered already for pre-event festivities, including music and dancing.  Among those in the square were costumed interpreters.  I talked with two of them, one a lawyer, and another a frontiersman.

A ranger got on stage a few minutes before noon to offer commentary.  Seeing me with my broadside, two people, who looked like they were on lunch break, asked to borrow it to pose for a photo.

Right about noon, a costumed figure, portraying Colonel John Nixon, came to the stage and began to read the momentous words of the Declaration.  It was a thrill to shout Huzzah at various statements.

Here's a lawyer in historic 18 Century dress.

These 1 art pieces appeared all over Philadelphia.

A NPS ranger gives an introduction.

Here I am posing with a frontiersman, in a photo taken by a fellow visitor.

A reenactor portrays John Nixon as he offered the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

A fellow visitor photographed me posing in Independence Square after the public reading reenactment ended.

Various other costumed reenactors in the square after the reading ended.

After it ended, the crowd cheered Huzzah three times and then the bell in the tower rang.

By 12:30, I was on my way to the Philadelphia 30th Street Station.  I got there by 12:50 and went to the ticketing counter.  I was scheduled to ride the Floridian train back to Chicago from Pittsburgh, and it was already delayed multiple hours.  I spoke with a ticketing agent to rearrange my itinerary.  A few minutes after 1 PM, I was in line to board Northeast Regional Train #84, which departed Philadelphia around 1:15-1:20.  I found a spot in the front car in a seat facing opposite the train's movement and I took in the views of Philadelphia as the train whisked along over 100 mph.  I opened up my sandwich to have my lunch and I listened to The Tim Glemkowski Show.

Here's my sandwich.

About half an hour after leaving the Philadelphia station, the train crossed the Delaware River and entered New Jersey at Trenton.  

The Newark-Liberty International Airport train station.

Within the hour, the train entered the NYC Metro Area.  I got some glimpses of the NYC skyline before the train entered the tunnel underneath the Hudson River.  

Looking easterly toward the New York City-Manhattan skyline.

Shortly before 3 PM, the train arrived at New York City-Moynihan Train Hall-Penn Station. I ascended to the station level, and I was impressed by what I saw.  I wandered around, browsing the restaurants to find a dinner to take with me. I settled on a Deli place with a turkey sandwich and a Spindrift Island Punch fizzy drink.  I also went up to Street level to take in the view of downtown Manhattan, which was abuzz with activity. To the east, I could see the Empire State Building.

On the info board inside Penn Station, train #49 appears third from the bottom.

Outside Penn Station, I could look in an easterly direction and see the Empire State Building, which appears to the left in this photo.

Here's the info board above the entrance to the platform for train #49.

A few minutes before 3:30, I heard the boarding call for train #49, the westbound Lake Shore Limited.  I went straight ot the platform and readily boarded the train.  It departed at 3:40.  I wasn't expecting to be seated facing the opposite direction of the train's movement, though I found out later why it was that way.  Once the train emerged from the tunnel, there were stunningly scenic views of the Hudson River corridor all the way up to Albany.  I was glad to see the north end of Manhattan Island and Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving, just yards from the tracks.

The George Washington Bridge looking from New York to New Jersey

The Sunnyside estate of Washington Irving

Here's the scene a little ways south of Albany.

Around 6 PM, the train arrived at Albany.  I had the chance to step off and walk around the station and the neighborhood.  The train was flipped around to join with the segment that originated in Boston.   BY 7 PM or so, we were on our way again.  The train crossed the Hudson and then started heading in a westerly direction.  There was one more fresh air stop at Syracuse.  After that point, I started settling down for bedtime.

The next morning, on Thursday, July 9, I saw a great sunrise.  

At Carroll Township, OH, east of Toledo

I stepped off into the bright morning sunshine at Toledo.  From there, it was onto the Airline Stretch to Indiana.  

On the airline stretch in northwest Ohio

The train arrived at Chicago Union Station shortly before 11 AM CDT.   I noticed on the train info board that the westbound Floridian train had a delayed arrival time to Chicago several hours after its scheduled 8:45 arrival, which ended up around 5 PM. I met with a FOCUS missionary who I had arranged to meet there.  We had a nice conversation.  By noon, I was on my way back to Oak Park.

I am so blessed and overjoyed to participate in the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the USA.  It was an opportunity to celebrate that I have been put into this place in this time for a purpose by God Who sanctifies all time according to His purposes.  I can live out my relationship with Him by doing my part to edify this country.  Father Bart's homily at Mass on the morning of July 4 was one of the highlights of my celebration because it offered such great insights about how faith connects with patriotism.  And having the July celebration preceded by the Consecration to the Sacred Heart, along with the Zeale for American 250 rally, was a great opportunity to open ourselves to a new blooming of God's graces for this country.

This summer of 2026 marked 10 years since my longtime dream of visiting Philadelphia and Independence Hall came true.  So it was special to travel to Philadelphia for this extraordinary celebration of the 250th Anniversary and connect with an important place in that story.  I was glad that I could participate in the expanded tour to see the 2nd floor.  And it was so epic to be part of the crowd gathered for the reenactment on July 8.  It was inspiring like watching Liberty's Kids was as a middle schooler, which helped me deeply appreciate the story of the founding of the USA.  Then to be in the setting where it happened was truly inspiring.

This celebration has been an opportunity to reconnect with those events 250 years ago, and to see how timeless principles were an important part of them.  Indeed, we can still draw from them to live with great purpose in this country that has offered so much to the world.