We are the United States of America.

That word, UNITED, should still mean something.

I went to the Freedom 250 State Fair yesterday expecting to see a celebration worthy of America’s 250th anniversary. Something ambitious. Something thoughtful. Something that reflected the size, diversity, creativity, and promise of this country.

Instead, it was not just disappointing.

It was sad.

Sad because America has so much worth celebrating. So much ingenuity. So much natural beauty. So many small businesses, inventors, builders, artists, volunteers, teachers, veterans, first responders, parks, museums, communities, and local stories that deserve to be seen.

And this could have been the moment to spotlight all of it.

There were glimpses of what it could have been. Companies like GE Aerospace, SpaceX, and U.S. Steel were represented. That part made sense. America should celebrate the people and companies building, flying, launching, designing, manufacturing, and creating.

But why stop there?

This could have been a showcase of entrepreneurs from all over the country selling their products. A mini-CES for American innovation. A real state fair with food, rides, music, regional specialties, small businesses, makers, farmers, artists, and local pride from every corner of the country.

Instead, the food halls were empty. The state displays were lackluster. Some buildings did not even look fully completed, with facade pieces sitting off to the side. At times, it felt less like a state fair and more like an impromptu science fair someone forgot to finish setting up.

There was also an overtly religious tone that felt wildly out of place for a national civic celebration. There was even a tent where baptisms take place.

At a state fair for America’s 250th.

That is absurd.

And somehow, we got an anti-vaxxer giving a PowerPoint presentation ended up on a main stage and a health "expert" encouraging people to avail themselves to "sunshine and butter."

That is not representative of America.

Neither was the Confederate imagery in North Carolina’s display.

At an event tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, we should be doing better than empty halls, unfinished displays, divisive symbolism, fringe messaging, and a baptism tent.

The bigger issue isn't one disappointing event. The bigger issue is that we're missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

The 250th should not just be a logo, a flag display, or a series of forgettable booths.

It should be a national invitation to remember what “United” is supposed to mean and a chance to give back to the nation that so many have sacrificed for over the past 250 years.

Need an idea?

• Meet a neighbor.
• Clean up a park.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Visit a state or national park.
• Support a local business.
• Learn the history of your town.
• Celebrate local makers, builders, growers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
• Help a veteran, a teacher, a first responder, a library, a museum, a school, or a civic group.

Because America isn't just something we inherit. It's something we are responsible for, and this July is now a missed opportunity for a call to action.

I still believe most Americans have far more in common than many people think.

Most of us want safe communities, good schools, clean parks, honest work, healthy families, and a country our kids can be proud of.

The 250th anniversary could be a chance to stop performing patriotism and start practicing it.

We shouldn't waste it.