Last week, the City of Minden kicked off its local participation in the America 250 celebrations—a national observance leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The ceremony, held in front of Minden’s Historic Depot Museum, honored the anniversary of Paul Revere’s legendary midnight ride, with students, veterans, and community leaders all taking part.
You may be asking yourself, Why does Paul Revere’s ride matter to Minden? After all, we’re more than a thousand miles from Boston, and the events of 1775 can seem like a world away.
But here’s why it matters: 250 years ago, a spark was lit. It was a spark that would ignite a revolution. And like all great beginnings, it started with bravery, conviction, and a willingness to stand for something greater than oneself.
Paul Revere’s ride wasn’t just a warning to “the British are coming.” It was a call to action. It was a symbol of courage during a time of uncertainty. A reminder that ordinary citizens—farmers, tradesmen, shopkeepers—were about to rise up and declare their right to be free.
Here in Minden, we may not have been there in 1775, but we are the beneficiaries of what that moment—and those that followed—made possible. Every freedom we enjoy today, from worship to speech to voting, traces its roots back to the decision of a people to break away from tyranny and build something new.
And that’s worth commemorating—not just in Boston or Philadelphia, but in communities like ours all across the country.
The upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States is not just a history lesson. It’s a moment for reflection. A time to ask ourselves what we’re doing with the freedom we’ve inherited. A chance to remember that great nations aren’t built by perfect people, but by people willing to sacrifice, serve, and believe.
As we inch closer to July 4, 2026, Minden will continue to celebrate our nation’s founding. But more than that, we’ll honor the spirit of citizenship, courage, and community that carried those early Americans through uncertainty—and carries us still.
So yes, Paul Revere’s ride matters. It reminds us that history isn’t something that just happened. It’s something we are living out every day, in how we care for one another, serve our town, and uphold the ideals passed down through generations.
Let’s continue to celebrate it—not just for the past, but for the future we’re still building together.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.