Our Rural Roots

Jennifer Campbell, Contributor

This year, America -- the land of the free and the home of the brave -- turns 250 years old. That milestone reminded me of when I was 6 years old, in first grade, celebrating the 200th Anniversary.

My elementary school put on a big patriotic program. We waved flags, sang all the patriotic songs and probably came just short of shooting off fireworks in the multipurpose room. My mom made me a blue-and-white gingham dress, and let me tell you, if that thing still fit, you better believe I would wear it. But in all honesty, I am confident at that tender age, I didn't understand what and why we were celebrating.

Fifty years later, I'm still not certain I fully understand or comprehend the sacrifices that were made 250 years ago so I can live the life I do today. And, if I'm being even more honest, I'm not sure any of us completely get it. The weight of history, the decisions, the courage -- it's bigger than what fits neatly into a school program or even into words.

What I do understand is that my "now" looks a lot different than it did back then.

I won't be on a stage this year. I'll be working -- maybe in a tractor, maybe feeding cattle or maybe sitting on my front porch -- doing the everyday things that make up a life I love.

And, maybe that's the best kind of celebration there is, because freedom doesn't always look like fireworks. Sometimes, it looks like the ability to wake up and choose your life. To work hard. To stay. To build. To keep going.

I may not fully understand it all, but I am beyond thankful.

Thankful for the freedom to be me and always proud to be an American.

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-- Jennifer (Jent) Campbell waves her flag, writes about agriculture and tends crops and livestock from a seven-generation Indiana family farm. Follow her on X @plowwife. Find her Farm Wife Feeds blog at https://farmwifefeeds.com/…

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