Freedom Alliance proudly commemorates America’s 250th birthday with a dynamic celebration of our nation’s enduring spirit and legacy with a nod to our future.
This milestone invites us to reflect on the courage, ingenuity, service, and generosity that have defined America from its founding to today. Through stories of sacrifice, achievement, creativity, charity, and the voices of the next generation, we come together to honor what makes our country great—and to inspire hope for what lies ahead.
Freedom Alliance’s celebration of our 250th birthday will remind Americans of the many reasons we have to be proud of our country, her history, heroes, and accomplishments. Our efforts are inspired by the warnings offered by President Ronald Reagan in his Farewell Address to the nation in 1989.
“If we forget what we did,” Reagan explained, “we won’t know who we are. I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit.”
Central to this celebration is our exclusive video series, American Moments with Oliver North. Alongside these historic reflections, we’ve turned to our Freedom Alliance scholarship recipients. Each of these college students is the son or daughter of a military hero who sacrificed life or limb for our country. They are our future leaders and we will feature their compelling essays in which they explain their favorite moments from American history.
Freedom Alliance has many more events and projects that we will unveil as we continue our year-long celebration leading up to America 250. We invite you to help us celebrate the history, heroes, and achievements that have shaped the United States.
American Moments
Each video in this series is a celebration of one of America’s great moments hosted by LtCol Oliver North.
Student Essays
Powerful reflections on American history from the children of military heroes and Freedom Alliance Scholarship recipients.
To help make our nation’s 250th birthday a joyous celebration, Freedom Alliance is producing a series of inspiring videos to remind Americans of some of the great achievements and memorable moments that contribute to the noble history of the United States.
These videos chronicle the foresight of statesmen, the ingenuity of inventors, the intrepid spirit of explorers, the generosity of philanthropists, inspiring athletic achievements, and the heroism of citizens turned soldiers. In short, they are a reminder that throughout our history, average individuals have achieved extraordinary success and contributed to the rich tapestry of the American story.
To help us tell these stories, Freedom Alliance has enlisted the help of an iconic figure and American hero, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret). As a combat-decorated Marine, radio and television host, best-selling author, and military historian, there is nobody better to guide us through this celebration leading up to America 250. With these “American Moments,” Colonel North reminds us why America is the greatest nation on earth – and why our best days are still ahead.
American Moments with Oliver North is made possible by a generous gift from Bob Torcolini and Lynn Silan-Torcolini, and Bob and Faye Bauman. We are grateful for their support.
Cure For Polio
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, polio gripped the nation with fear, but through unity, compassion, and innovation—from the March of Dimes to Dr. Jonas Salk’s vaccine—Americans came together to overcome one of the most devastating public health crises in history.
Army-Navy Game
Since 1890, the Army–Navy Game has united cadets from United States Military Academy and midshipmen from United States Naval Academy in a rivalry grounded in honor, respect, and service—reminding us that even in competition, we stand together in defense of freedom.
Gettysburg Address
We reflect on one of the most powerful speeches in American history—the Gettysburg Address. Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, these few words honored the sacrifice of those who gave their lives and redefined the purpose of our nation.
Space Race
From the launch of Sputnik to the moon landing in 1969, America’s Space Race journey showcased the courage, innovation, and determination that proved our nation could achieve the impossible.
Iwo Jima
In February 1945, American forces stormed Iwo Jima in one of the fiercest battles of World War II, a 36-day fight that produced the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi and proved that, in the words of Admiral Nimitz, uncommon valor was a common virtue.
MacArthur West Point - Duty, Honor, Country
In this episode of American Moments with Oliver North, we revisit General Douglas MacArthur’s 1962 return to West Point, where his farewell address to the Corps of Cadets delivered a timeless message of duty, honor, and service that continues to inspire generations.
1876 Centennial Exposition - America's First World Fair
Step back to America’s first World’s Fair, where the nation celebrated 100 years of independence and showcased its innovation, industry, and growing global influence—setting the stage for the modern America we know today.
The Majesty of America's National Parks
In Episode 5: National Parks of the American Moments with Oliver North series, we celebrate the beauty, history, and spirit of the landscapes that define the United States. From towering mountains and sweeping valleys to rich natural heritage preserved for generations, this episode highlights how our parks embody the values of freedom, preservation, and national pride.
Public Libraries — Pillars of American Progress
In this episode of American Moments with Oliver North, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), explores the vital role of public libraries in shaping America’s culture, democracy, and collective knowledge. From historic reading rooms to modern community centers, discover how free access to books and information has helped build an informed citizenry and empowered generations.
Mount Rushmore
In this episode of American Moments with Oliver North, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), takes us to Mount Rushmore to explore how four presidents sculpted in stone embody American ideals of democracy, leadership, and national identity. From the vision behind the monument to what it means today, discover why these carved faces are more than rock—they’re symbols of heritage and unity.
The Miracle on Ice
LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), revisits the iconic Miracle on Ice—when the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, made up mostly of amateurs, defeated the mighty Soviet Union in a transcendent moment of national pride. Discover how this game became more than sport—it symbolized hope, unity, and America’s spirit in a time of global tension.
The Declaration of Independence
In this episode of American Moments with Oliver North, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), delves into the drafting, signing, and legacy of the Declaration of Independence. Explore how this pivotal document declared America’s ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government—and understand why its message still resonates in our democracy today.
Essays from the Children of America’s Military Heroes
At Freedom Alliance, we are committed to educating the children of America’s military heroes. Over the years, we have awarded tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships to the sons and daughters of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardsmen who sacrificed life or limb defending our country.
These scholarships do more than provide vital financial assistance—they are a powerful reminder to each student that their parent’s sacrifice will never be forgotten by a grateful nation. Today, there are an estimated 7,000 children of service members who lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Freedom Alliance is investing in their futures.
In this special collection of essays, the children of these military heroes share their personal stories and reflections. Through their own words, they describe how their families have contributed to the rich tapestry of American history and the historic moments they wish they could have witnessed firsthand.
These powerful narratives were inspired by two thoughtful prompts:
- As America prepares to celebrate her 250th birthday, how would you describe your family’s contributions to American history?
- If you could go back in time to participate in one event that shaped America’s 250 years of history, what event would it be and why would it be personally meaningful to you?
Their essays illuminate the ongoing legacy of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism that shapes both their lives and the nation. We invite you to read these inspiring reflections and join us in honoring the legacy of America’s military families, as well as the critical role education plays in securing their futures.
As someone who understands sacrifice on a personal level, I would want to witness firsthand the moment when America’s founders pledged their lives, fortunes, and honor for the ideals of liberty that continue to define my family’s legacy of service today.
Sophia Frank
Our Partners
Freedom Alliance is proud to partner with VA250 and America 250 as we honor our nation’s history and those who have defended its freedom.
