Five Generations Reflect on America and the Constitution at CaesarRodney250 Event

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Caesar Rodney Institute brought together voices from across generations for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the Constitution's enduring role in American life.

Held on March 11th at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana, "

A Generational Conversation: America, Then & Now" featured a panel representing multiple generations, each offering a unique perspective shaped by the historical moments of their time. The conversation explored how Americans have experienced the nation and understood its founding principles across nearly a century of change.

Panelists included Chris Rowe, instructor with the Institute on the Constitution; Julianne Murray, constitutional attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware; and Christian Hodges, author of America, Don’t Give Up and a Gen Z commentator. Adding a distinctive and meaningful voice to the discussion was a sixth-grade student, representing the youngest generation currently learning about the Constitution.

Throughout the evening, panelists reflected on the events that shaped their understanding of America, from the cultural and political environments in which they came of age to how civic education influenced their view of constitutional principles. While each generation described different experiences, a consistent theme emerged. The Constitution has remained a central and enduring framework guiding American civic life.

The discussion also highlighted how interpretations of liberty, civic responsibility, and public participation have evolved over time. Panelists noted that while the challenges facing the nation may change, the Constitution's foundational principles continue to provide a structure for addressing those challenges.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from the youngest panelist (A 6th Grader), whose reflections on learning about the Constitution today offered a reminder of the importance of civic education in shaping future generations. Her participation underscored the event’s central theme. The Constitution is not only a historical document, but a living civic inheritance passed from one generation to the next.

The panel concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of constitutional government and the role individuals play in preserving it. Attendees were invited to reflect on their own understanding of citizenship and its responsibilities.

"A Generational Conversation: America, Then & Now" was part of the Caesar Rodney Institute’s CaesarRodney250 initiative, which aims to promote civic education and reflection as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial. Events like this serve as an important reminder that understanding the Constitution requires not only study, but also conversation across generations, experiences, and perspectives.