An extraordinary burst of fireworks and ceremonies are coming this summer for America’s 250th anniversary. I feel lucky to have grown up here, but deeply conflicted about the looming celebrations of red, white and blue.

My late father served proudly in the U.S. Navy and spoke with reverence about individual rights and democracy. I share his respect for the ideals of a government of the people, for the people and by the people. That’s why it’s heartbreaking to see where we are right now.

President Trump abuses his office in too many ways to list here. His illegal war against Iran has killed thousands, alienated allies and failed to permanently curb its potential to build nuclear weapons. The Pentagon said the war cost us $29 billion by mid-May: That’s more than the entire state budget of Connecticut this year. Most Americans disapprove of the war, which has boosted gasoline prices and threatens the world economy. Republicans in Congress have been unwilling to stop Trump’s chaos and grifting, while Democrats have been unable.

So as we approach America’s big birthday on July 4, I’m not in a party mood. Instead I plan to mark the milestone by learning more about how we got here and supporting efforts to strengthen democracy. 

Here are a few ideas for doing so, offered in hopes you’ll join me. I aim to:

Take Yale’s free online history course, “America at 250.” Taught by three scholars, the class examines what the United States is, was and was meant to be. You can watch any time here or listen to the podcast .

Watch “The American Revolution,” a history series by Ken Burns, here on PBS.

Spread the word about “The Librarians,” an inspiring documentary about heroic librarians fighting book bans and censorship across our country in recent years. It’s on PBS here .

Support the arts and freedom of expression. The Merryall Center for the Arts in New Milford will host a concert called “Songs of Protest” on August 15, with tunes from the American Revolution through today, songs made famous by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman.  Nadine Strossen , former head of the American Civil Liberties Union, will give introductory remarks.

Promote voter registration and voting. Now’s the time to encourage friends and relatives to get ready to vote, including by requesting absentee ballots if needed. Citizens in Connecticut can register online here . 

Pay for fact-based journalism. It takes resources for reporters and editors to dig up the truth and hold officials accountable. Bravo to the Connecticut Mirror for winning a Pulitzer Prize this spring for a project with ProPublica. Their series “ On the Hook ” exposed predatory practices in the towing industry and prompted lawmakers to fix outdated laws that hurt car owners.

Read diverse viewpoints. Tangle delves into one issue every day to give fact-based perspectives from the left and right, as well as an editor’s take. Ground News shows how different outlets cover the same story to help readers recognize media bias and break free from algorithms that stir outrage and serve people only stories that entrench their own opinions.

Find ways to talk across the political divide. Braver Angels , a nonprofit, aims to reduce polarization by helping people talk to each other respectfully. It offers free activities such as red-blue debates, workshops to prevent stereotyping and classes to help people avoid demonizing each other. 

I hope our country finds its way to peace, civility and honest leadership as soon as possible. That would be something to celebrate. 

Leslie Brody lives in Sherman.