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In the year of America’s 250th anniversary, Mackinac Center employees took a moment to reflect on the liberties that define the nation, share stories of the moments that made them proud to be Americans and reveal the ways they celebrated freedom this year.
“Watching both the men’s and women’s hockey team take home gold at this year’s Winter Olympics. Jack Hughes’ face after the game says it all. I teared up when they honored the late, great Johnny Gaudreau by bringing his kids out for pictures.”
- Ryan Rickel, Advancement Manager
“I was particularly moved during the president’s July 4 speech honoring several veterans, including some who were over 100 years old. Behind them hung American flags dating back to the Revolutionary War, a reminder that this nation was born in sacrifice and loss, but also a deep conviction in the promise of freedom.
“The moment brought to mind the Declaration of Independence and the founders’ solemn promise to ‘mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.’ Just 250 years later, I remain deeply grateful for those revolutionaries, ordinary yet extraordinary men and women who sacrificed their lives, homes, and stability, and rejected the status quo in pursuit of an uncertain but freer future.”
- AnnMarie Pariseau, Director of Communications
“I took my dad to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum to experience its special exhibit, ‘The American Eagle’ which reflects on our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the gifts President Ford received. The museum features the original Northwest Ordinance, on loan from the National Archives and Records Administration, and ‘Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship.’ This last exhibit highlights the enduring bonds between our two nations (much improved since 1776). It includes a recipe written by Queen Elizabeth II to President Eishenhower, which she noted serves 16 people. We had a great time!”
- Cami Pendell, Vice President for Government Affairs
“Almost every Fourth of July of my life has been at a family church conference, but the timing this year worked out that we were home. So, for the first time, our family shot off our own fireworks. With four kids ages 5 through 13, it was definitely a highlight!”
- Jarrett Skorup, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
“Our system of government is not to placate and empower a warlord, or to advance the interests of those in power — and much of government around the world and across history has been that. It is instead for the peace, prosperity and flourishing of the people here. I’ve been trying to help rekindle that ideal in my fellow citizens.”
- James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy
“Watching the U.S. host the World Cup this year reminded me of what makes America special. The videos of gobsmacked Europeans marveling over the size of American gas stations, supermarkets, and food portions were entertaining. But what was more meaningful were the thousands of people from different cultures who shared how kind, generous and welcoming Americans proved to be. It was a good reminder that our society is marked more by openness and friendliness than anything else.”
- Mike Van Beek, Vice President for Research
