“Liberty” is a word we hear ad nauseam this time of year, and 250 years into “the Great Experiment,” it may behoove us to examine it.

Henry David Thoreau famously said “disobedience is the foundation of liberty.” Anyone familiar with the American story would agree. Our forefathers came here as an act of disobedience and search for religious liberty. Since then, Americans have done what they think necessary to keep the experiment going.

To fully love anything we have to acknowledge its faults and seek to improve. America is not a perfect country. We pursued life, liberty and happiness at the expense of those who were here first. We increased our wealth through inhumane endeavors. We’ve divided over wars and united over others. We’ve fought tyranny, sought justice and succeeded.

Experiments rarely go how you expect; the point is to learn. To forget history means you are doomed to repeat it, and since America’s history is rich, it’s important to acknowledge every high and low propelled us forward for better or worse.

I love my country. I wouldn’t trade it. I think we can all agree we’re lucky to still be standing. Spacious skies and amber waves of grain prevailed. We are learning and growing thanks to the immigrants that came before us.

So long as we remember we are not here by accident, that liberty and justice for all is still worth fighting for, the experiment will succeed. Remember that as you watch your fireworks this weekend.

Happy 250th birthday, and God Bless America.

The Big Butler Fair is always over the Fourth! The fun continues from now until July 11 at the fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road, Franklin Township. Come ride, watch, eat and enjoy for only $9. Visit bigbutlerfair.com for more information.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a Butler County History week calendar of events! From now until Saturday, special events will be held at different local historical sites in Evans City, Mars, Zelienople, Harmony and more! For a complete list of events and admission information, visit experiencebutler.com/history-week.

Hear patriotic music at a Concert in the Park, brought to you by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive, Cranberry Township. Visit butlersymphony.org/concerts/concert-in-the-park for more information.

Mars has two days worth of activities in celebration of Independence Day! Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, families can experience a petting zoo, a dance by the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, a screening of “The Sandlot,” a downtown vendor market, parade, and so much more! Visit marsborough.com/july-4th-celebration for a complete schedule.

Harrisville Community Days starts at noon Friday and ends with fireworks on Saturday at the park on Wick Avenue. Hear live music, see the Independence Day parade, shop vendors, walk the car cruise and so much more! Visit the Facebook page for details.

Saxonburg’s parade and firework display kick off at 5 p.m. Friday on Main Street. Historic figures will grace the floats, so you won’t want to miss it! You can also learn how Saxonburg natives contributed to some iconic American legends by visiting the borough’s museum. For more information, visit saxonburgpa.com.

An opening ceremony at Zelienople 4 Corners Park will welcome the traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 6 p.m. Friday. It will be on display until Sunday. This event is free to attend. Visit experiencebutler.com for more information.

Zelienople Community Day starts with a bang with the Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday. The fun continues with a parade on Main Street, as well as free swimming and live music in the park, 402 E. Beaver St. Visit the event Facebook page for a complete schedule.

The Fourth of July Celebration of Faith and Freedom is a musical event like no other, taking place at 2 p.m. Saturday in Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 W. Old Route 422, Franklin Township. Come hear the ACTS Choir and Orchestra and support a good cause. Visit the event Facebook page for details.

Slippery Rock’s Independence Day celebration includes free family fun with rides, music, games and activities, vendors, and a fireworks display. It all starts at 3 p.m. Saturday on the borough’s Main Street. Visit the event Facebook page for details.

Bring a seat to and test your patriotic knowledge at A Voice For Liberty: Americana Sing-a-long, starting at 1 p.m. at Evans City Cemetery, 8600 Franklin Road. This event is rain or shine, and it’s sure to be a blast! Visit experiencebutler.com for details.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.