The greatest calamity to befall the British Empire (something they have always regretted) was the loss of their north American colony which became independent on July 4th 1776. So today July 4th 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
When we lived in Melaka in the 1970s we lived in a house on Heeren Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock) which was built by the Dutch when they were in Melaka for 163 years from 1641 to 1824. So that house in Melaka was possibly older than the United States.
In the past 250 years the United States has grown to become a collossus among countries and societies. Never before has the world seen any country or society grow up to become such a huge influence on the human race in so short a time. Within 150 years of their independence the USA was already the greatest country on the surface of the earth.
Well now they have already been overtaken by China. And possibly by Russia but that will take some time.
To commemorate their 250th anniversary the US is putting on a major birthday party. There is going to be a SEVEN HOUR aerial display over Washington DC.
I lived in the United States for over four years. I went to school there, worked among the Americans, came to know them and understand their culture, their habits and their language. They are just people but without a doubt they are a great people.
