Happy Independence Day eve, and for those who will read this on Saturday, Happy Independence Day! As I wrote in an op-ed recently, I was nine years old in 1976, when America celebrated its 200th anniversary. It's hard to believe 50 years went by so quickly, but I am here again to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, and just as excited as I was when I was younger. Perhaps more so.
As a kid, I knew the rudimentary details that are taught in grade school, but I didn’t yet know all the details, ins and outs, or political battles that forged our country. But that didn't matter. Celebrations were a big deal, and even at the tender age of nine, I understood I was a part of this great nation and had every right to dive in, embracing the happenings that commemorated 200 years with childlike relish.
Now heading into my senior years, that sentiment has not changed, despite all that has transpired over 50 years to dampen, diminish, and destroy America and all it stands for. If anything, my depth of delight and appreciation for this country has grown exponentially because I now comprehend the weight and the cost of the sacrifice of those who have gone before me. I also understand the vociferous forces that want to diminish and erase that sacrifice. So, celebration, appreciation, and gratitude are part of the antidote to that. Just as others passed on the significance of being an American and why it is important to celebrate its founding and its future, so I try to do the same at every opportunity.
Which is why an 11-year-old boy who took the time to undertake a special American flag project renewed my own childhood relish in this 250th celebration. Sometimes, the simple things can be the most inspirational.
Patriotism expressed is the subject of this Independence weekend Feel-Good Friday.
Eleven-year-old Grayson wanted to do something special for America 250, so he undertook a crochet project. First of all, it's impressive that this young boy was invested in such a practical skill. Second, it's even more impressive that the project was a replica of the Betsy Ross American flag, and he did it without a pattern! Grayson is already a pretty busy kid and active in two sports, yet he made time to do the work in between all his schoolwork and sports obligations. Grayson loves the flag, loves his country and family, and wanted to make the blanket as a family heirloom.
This incredible kid is wiser than many adults three times his age.
Grayson does an excellent job talking about the journey to create the flag, so I won't editorialize it any further.
WATCH:
An 11-year-old boy. One crochet hook. 60 skeins of yarn. No pattern. Two weeks. 🇺🇸
— Crystal Hope (@CrystalHope1979) June 30, 2026
While juggling tennis camps and baseball games, Grayson poured his heart into crocheting this stunning American flag blanket—just in time to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day. 🧨
No… pic.twitter.com/fAvOBtrX81
An 11-year-old boy. One crochet hook. 60 skeins of yarn. No pattern. Two weeks. 🇺🇸
While juggling tennis camps and baseball games, Grayson poured his heart into crocheting this stunning American flag blanket—just in time to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day. 🧨
No fancy instructions, just pure determination and love for his country. The result is a beautiful family heirloom that proves some of life’s greatest treasures are still made by hand. ✨
Proud of this kid and the quiet power of creativity in the next generation.
What an inspiration! 👏
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I hope you enjoy your America 250 celebrations this weekend, and like young Grayson, find ways to express your love of family and love of country in simple yet profound ways.
Freedom isn't free.
Editor's Note: It’s America’s 250th birthday! Help RedState celebrate the greatest nation in history by honoring its past, defending its present, and preserving its future with reporting you can trust.
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