The year 2025 is almost over.Some are looking ahead to 2026 with hope, and others with dread, as people tend to do every year.

Yet, this year holds two important anniversaries in the United States, both part of a long list of reasons to be proud to call ourselves Americans:

America 250

The “America 250” is celebration of the semiquincentennial of American Independence, and on July 4 of this year the celebrations will be everywhere, from theme parks to small town halls, to our nation’s capital. The official White House site has already created a count down to he celebration and some well made videos on “The Story of America” from Hillsdale College.

President Donald Trump said of America’s story: “With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history,” 

Route 66 100

The famous Route 66, running from Chicago to Los Angeles, was officially commissioned on Nov. 11, 1926, but the centennial celebrations will be happening all year long.

Individual states and communities along the route all have their own celebrations planned, as well as individual enthusiasts ready to make the trip with friends and families. It will be hard to gather all the events planned in one spot, but a good place to start are sites like route66centennial.org that offer a list of events.

Here’s a look at the highway’s start from the YouTube Channel “Beyond the Exit.”

A big celebration, is planned on April 30, but taking the ultimate road trip on Route 66 is great any time of year.

Whatever you are facing in the coming year, always look for a reason to step back and celebrate. It might be the birth of a nation, or of an interstate highway. Either way, be thankful for the freedoms both these anniversaries grant us, big and little.