Life and Times in SoCal

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, I've found myself reflecting on what this country has come to mean to Julie and me. So here we are. July 4, 2026 is nearly upon us, and the country I've called home for the better part of two decades is turning 250 years old. Two hundred and fifty! As a Brit, I'm used to things being old — we've got pubs older than this entire nation — but there's something different about watching a country celebrate its own youth and ambition all at once. America doesn't do anything quietly, and this birthday has been no exception., . 

Two and a half centuries ago, 56 men signed a single sheet of parchment and set in motion what President Trump recently called "the greatest political journey in human history." Whether you call it the Semiquincentennial, the Setercentennial, or simply America's Quarter Millennium, this birthday is a big deal — and the whole country knows it.

From Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the shores of Pearl Harbor, from the streets of Los Angeles to the mountains of Colorado, across the plains of Texas and from sea to shining sea, Americans are pausing to reflect on where we've been, celebrate who we are, and dream about where we're headed next.

Like millions of Americans, my story didn't begin here. Julie and I were born and raised in England, and for much of our lives we never imagined that one day we would call the United States home. Yet in 2010, an opportunity brought us to Southern California, and what we initially thought might be a temporary chapter became the beginning of a remarkable journey.

In 2021, after more than a decade of living, and working, in America, Julie and I proudly became United States citizens. It was one of the most meaningful moments of our lives. Standing together and taking the Oath of Allegiance was not a rejection of our British roots, but rather an embrace of a country that had given us so much opportunity, friendship, and a true sense of belonging.

America's 250th birthday is, of course, a celebration of history. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the extraordinary nation that exists today, the United States has experienced triumphs, setbacks, innovations, and transformations that few could have imagined. The story of America is far from perfect, but it is one of continuous progress, resilience, and optimism.

What has always impressed me most is the American belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

Over the past almost two decades, Julie and I have had the privilege of exploring this incredible country. We've driven through deserts and mountains, visited historic cities and small towns, stood in awe of national parks, and experienced the unique character that makes the states so different. We've met people from every walk of life and every corner of the world, all contributing to the rich tapestry that is modern America.

As immigrants who chose to become citizens, we have perhaps gained an appreciation for America that comes from seeing it both from the outside and the inside. We recognize the freedoms that many take for granted. We appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that encourages people to dream big. And we value the diversity that continues to shape the nation's future.

The American Dream means different things to different people. For us, it meant the opportunity to build a life, pursue meaningful careers, and create experiences that we could never have predicted when we first arrived. It meant being welcomed into communities that became home. It meant finding new traditions while still honoring the old ones.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, I believe America's greatest strength remains its people. For 250 years, individuals from countless backgrounds have contributed their talents, ideas, and determination to build something larger than themselves. That story continues today.

The semiquincentennial is not just about looking back at what America has achieved. It is about looking forward to what comes next. The challenges facing future generations will undoubtedly be different from those of the past, but the values that have sustained the nation—Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—remain as relevant as ever.

For Julie and me, America's 250th anniversary is both a national celebration and a personal one. We are grateful for the opportunities this country has provided and proud to call ourselves Americans.

I came to this country as an outsider, and in a lot of ways I still feel like one — the accent gives it away every time I open my mouth. But watching America throw itself this kind of birthday party, watching a nation try to hold its history, its contradictions, and its hopes all in the same hand, has made me feel something close to belonging.

We're not American by birth, Julie and I, but we've built a life here — family flying in for the 4th of July, concerts, Disney, Las Vegas, sea turtles, and whale watching, a home in Corona that somehow fits all of it. Maybe that's its own small version of the American story: turning up somewhere new, and deciding to stay because you fell in love with the place.

Happy 250th, America. Here's to the next 250 years.

Thanks for having us.

— Paul