This spring, Tremonton has a lot to be grateful for. A few things are worth sharing as we head toward summer — and as our country approaches a milestone 250 years in the making.

A few weeks ago, a stack of letters arrived at City Hall from students at Alice C. Harris Intermediate School. Every letter was a request. A Dutch Bros. A Walmart. A water park. A boba shop. A mall. A convenience store closer to the school so kids who miss breakfast can grab something to eat.

Two things matter about those letters.

First, every one of them was read. It was impressive to see these students take the time to sit down, think about their town, and put their thoughts on paper. Their voices deserved to be heard, and they were.

Second, the letters were passed on to the City Council so every member could read them too. That matters. These kids are residents of Tremonton, and their voices belong at the same table as everyone else’s. That’s what we’re building toward — the City Council, the employees of this city, every one of us listening to every voice, no matter their age.

These letters came at a meaningful time, because our country is about to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The anchor date is July 4, 2026.

This is a great country. Tremendous sacrifice got us here, and the freedoms we enjoy today were paid for by generations of Americans who came before us. This nation was built through inspiration. In God we trust. It’s a privilege to live here, and not a single day of it should be taken for granted.

Banners are going up around Tremonton in the coming weeks to mark the occasion. But the most important work of this anniversary won’t happen on a flagpole or at a parade. It’ll happen at kitchen tables and in classrooms. Teaching our children what this country cost, what it stands for, and what it asks of them — that’s the work that matters. Our schools are already doing their part. Our parents and grandparents can do theirs.

Tremonton has officially registered with America250 Utah, joining hundreds of municipalities, counties, and Tribal nations across the state in marking this anniversary together. Two resources worth knowing about:

Utah is also running a student essay and visual art contest tied to the 250th, with scholarships for K-12 students who connect the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution to their lives today. After the letters that came out of Harris Intermediate, plenty of our kids clearly have something to say about this country. This is a real opportunity for them. Details and submission instructions are at america250.utah.gov.

The American Legion is hosting a 250th Anniversary Walk on Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM at Midland Square. Every resident is invited to walk.

Two things will happen that day that deserve the attention of every person in Tremonton.

Gold Star Families in our community will be recognized. These are families who have lost a loved one in service to this country. The cost they have paid is not something this community takes lightly, and not something this community forgets. Walking with them — not around them — is one of the few things we can offer in return.

The Battle Cross Memorial will be honored. The Battle Cross is one of the oldest and most solemn tributes in the American military tradition. Recognizing it here, in Tremonton, is a way of saying those sacrifices are not forgotten in this town.

If you can walk, walk. If you can’t, line the route. If you can’t do either, take a moment that morning to think about what freedom costs, and who paid for it.

In mid-May, the Box Elder County Chamber of Commerce is making a trip to Washington D.C. with meetings scheduled with our federal delegation — our U.S. Senator and Congressman. I’ll be joining the trip. This is relationship-building work on behalf of our region. Every cent of my participation is being paid for personally, not with city funds or Chamber reimbursement.

The National Peace Officers’ Memorial falls during the same week. Tremonton officers are traveling to D.C. with support from community fundraising to attend, and standing alongside them to honor the officers who gave everything is worth making time for.

This community matters. This country matters. The people who built both deserve our thanks. One thing worth taking from this: thank a veteran this month. Talk to your kids about what 250 years means. Our town is stronger every time we show up for each other.

Tremonton, Utah