In just a few weeks, the greatest country the world has ever seen turns 250.
That’s two and a half centuries of freedom defended, sacrifices made, and generations of Americans answering the call to serve something bigger than themselves. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence risked everything on a bold idea — that ordinary people could govern themselves — and every generation since has helped prove them right.
A milestone like this deserves a celebration worthy of our nation’s story. This week, I got a front-row seat to one of the most creative tributes to America’s 250th birthday: the official birthday cake itself.
All 50 states and U.S. territories are represented, each with a symbol that captures what makes them unique. Iowa’s? Find out below. ⬇️
What’s new: The Semiquincentennial Commission selected cake artist Grace Pak, a Columbia University-trained neuroscientist turned nationally renowned cake artist, to design America’s 250th birthday cake in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Why it matters: America’s 250th birthday is a chance to celebrate both what unites us and what makes each state special. Iowa’s contribution to the cake is a piglet — a symbol of the hardworking, humble people who help feed and fuel the world.
Bottom Line: The artist behind America’s 250th birthday cake also competed on Netflix’s ‘Is It Cake?’ — so there’s only one question left: which state captured the spirit of America the best? We’ll all find out when the nation celebrates its 250th birthday in just 23 days.