The United States is the most exceptional nation in human history. This is a truth that we’ve grown strangely uncomfortable with saying. Before I can address what this truth means, I have to address what it doesn’t: the United States is not a perfect nation. Yes, there have been sins committed that we can reflect on with a modern view and condemn. True patriotism doesn’t mean we pretend that our history is without flaws. The United States does not need to be perfect to be exceptional. No other nation has done more to advance the ideals of liberty, innovation, and opportunity.
The founding of the United States was a miracle. Great Britain was undisputedly the world’s superpower at the time. Our Founding Fathers knew exactly what military power they were rebelling against, as several of them had served under British authority. Fifty-six men knew that by signing their names to the Declaration, they would likely be executed for treason if the Revolution failed. This bravery alone is nothing short of exceptional. Despite all odds, thirteen colonies of merchants, farmers, and tradesmen defeated Great Britain. Rather than creating a new monarchy to rule the United States, they established a new republic founded on the truth that all people are created equal and possess God-given rights.
The United States Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in active use. It has survived a civil war, economic depression, world wars, terrorism, and intense social change. The principles of American constitutionalism—separation of powers, federalism, bicameral legislature, and peaceful transfers of power—have been used as the framework by constitutional democracies around the world. Each word and punctuation in the Constitution was heavily debated by the convention. It was not written to solve the problems of one generation, but to preserve liberty for generations to come. Yet today, we often speak of the Constitution as though it were merely an old document written by oppressive white men instead of one of history's greatest achievements.
American exceptionalism did not end with its founding and drafting of the Constitution.
When the twentieth century became a century of technological innovation, Americans answered the call. We transformed aviation into the foundation of global transportation. Only Americans could take a wood frame and canvas airplane and evolve it into the SR-71 Blackbird in the span of sixty years. Americans conducted scientific breakthroughs that led to the nuclear age. When President Kennedy challenged us to reach the moon, we did so in a decade. When American astronauts planted our flag on the moon, it became not only a symbol of national pride but also proof that free people can do extraordinary things.
The United States is also an engine for modern innovation. From the Internet to GPS, medical advances to the smartphone you may be reading this on, American ingenuity has reshaped the way the world lives. These breakthroughs were not accidents. They were the product of a society that rewarded entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and the liberty to pursue other ideas that were believed to be impossible.
As a woman, I have opportunities that billions of women throughout history could never have imagined. I have the opportunity to seek higher education, speak openly in public, practice the Restored gospel of Christ, and criticize my government without fear of imprisonment. None of this would have been possible without the sacrifice of countless Americans who believed liberty was worth preserving. These freedoms should never be taken for granted.
Every year, millions of people seek to immigrate to the United States—legally and illegally. Immigrants are not risking everything to reach North Korea, Russia, Venezuela, or Cuba. They come to the United States because we still represent freedom, opportunity, and the American dream that someone can build a better life through hard work.
Ironically, while millions around the world recognize the American promise, many Americans have been hesitant to celebrate it. We teach our shortcomings in great detail while overlooking our accomplishments. Gratitude has been confused with arrogance. Patriotism has been confused with nationalism, and nationalism is assumed to mean chauvinism rather than simple love for our country.
Exceptionalism is not the claim that Americans are morally superior compared to other nations. Instead, it is the recognition that no other nation has so consistently expanded the cause of self-governance, liberty, innovation, and offered hope to people across the world.
America is not perfect, and it never has been—but perfectionism has never been the standard for exceptionalism. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we should stop pretending otherwise. The American story is one of courage, sacrifice, and ingenuity. It is a story worth celebrating, worth preserving, and worth passing down to our posterity. May we celebrate our great nation for another 250 years.
