America will celebrate her 250th birthday in 2026. It is a moment worth celebration and reflection. For generations, people from Kane County have built their lives here. Families have started businesses, raised children, served in uniform, taught in our schools, cared for neighbors, and contributed to communities that reflect the best of what America can be.

 

“Love Letters to America” is a community storytelling project that invites people connected to Kane County to reflect on what this country means to them. The idea is simple. Write a short letter about your American experience. What has this country made possible for you? What does freedom mean in your life? What gives you pride in our nation and our community?

 

We invite people to submit letters of up to 500 words. From those submissions, 20 letters will be selected and featured publicly as part of a special project. The letters will reflect a wide range of experiences and voices connected to Kane County.

 

The goal is to create something that feels authentic and hopeful; less about politics, more about people.

 

What We Hope to Capture

Participants may choose to write about themes such as:

 

• What America has made possible in your life

• A moment you celebrate when you felt proud to be an American

• Your family’s American story

• A lesson about freedom and/or opportunity

• A story about Kane County that reflects the American spirit

• A person who showed you what the American Dream looks like

• What you hope the next 250 years of America will bring

 

Personal stories, reflections, and letters written directly to America are all welcome.

 

Participation Guidelines

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• Letters should be 500 words or fewer

• Writers should have a connection to Kane County, though submissions from outside the county will be welcomed

• Submissions will be made through a simple online form on the www.Lauzen.com website

• Participants may type their letter directly or upload a document

• Writers will grant permission for their letters to be published and allow minor edits for clarity if needed

 

Selection and Recognition

 

Letters will be read and reviewed by Chris and Sarah Lauzen, along with additional community reviewers including John Kador, professional author and editor, and Bill Suhayda, author and commentator. Twenty letters will be selected based on authenticity, storytelling, and representing a range of perspectives and experiences connected to Kane County.

 

Selected writers will receive:

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• A featured publication on the website

• A certificate recognizing their contribution to the project

• Free admission and dinner to the Ultimate 30th Annual Lauzen Family Porky Picnic