Opinion

The Founding Fathers gave us America. 250 years later, we still depend on good dads

States are expanding fatherhood initiatives, but the real change starts with consistency at the family table.

By Mark Merrill Fox News

Published June 21, 2026 7:00am EDT

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This year, America celebrates its 250th birthday. We’ll mark the occasion with fireworks, parades and with rightful pride in what we’ve already achieved together. But if we are honest about what made our country strong in the first place — and what will keep it strong — the answer isn’t found in Washington, D.C. It starts at home.

The Founding Fathers understood something that we shouldn’t forget today. Strong nations are built on strong families. And strong families are shaped by fathers who choose to be present, engaged and intentional. I work with dads across this country as the founder of Family First and I've seen this proven time and time again.

There are valuable lessons we can draw from sports about fatherhood. Every coach knows championships aren't won on highlight reels. They're won by showing up to practice, running........

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