What Does It Mean to Be an American?

May 9, 2026

As the United States of America nears its 250th anniversary, the country is gearing up for a summer of celebrations, remembrances, and traditions. For our part, we at Northern Express want to bring together the voices of our community to answer the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” Please send responses to info /at/ northernexpress /dot/ com with the subject line “What does it mean to be an American.” Responses must be 100 words or fewer, and you must include your full name and city/town of residence with your submission to be considered. (We’re open to many points of view, but it should go without saying that we will not print any responses with information that cannot be fact checked or that include foul language or threats.) We’ll publish as many answers as we can in our Fourth of July issue.