By Wade Holt
Vermont’s display on the National Mall during America’s 250th birthday celebration was a significant embarrassment on many levels.
Every state was given the same opportunity to showcase its history, beauty, industries, culture, and people before thousands of visitors from across the nation and around the world. Most states embraced that opportunity with displays that reflected pride in their heritage. Vermont appeared to settle for a banner, a small table, and a few bottles of maple syrup.
Calling this “bad timing” is simply not a convincing explanation. States had well over a month to prepare their exhibits. This was not an unexpected event or a last-minute request. It was one of the most visible opportunities Vermont has had in years to promote tourism, attract new businesses, and remind people why our state is such a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.
What makes this especially disappointing is that Vermont’s greatest asset has never been its government—it has always been its people. Had state officials reached out to Vermont’s businesses, farmers, manufacturers, artisans, tourism organizations, and civic groups, I have little doubt many would have eagerly contributed their time, products, and financial support to create a display worthy of our state. This was a golden opportunity to introduce Vermont to thousands of potential visitors and customers. I believe many private citizens and businesses would have gladly underwritten much, if not all, of the cost simply for the privilege of showcasing the state they love.
Instead, visitors who knew little about Vermont were left with an unfortunate first impression. Rather than seeing our Green Mountains, covered bridges, vibrant manufacturing sector, family farms, outdoor recreation, innovation, and rich history, they saw a display that suggested we either could not—or would not—make the effort. If that was the impression people took home, then Vermont failed the very people it was supposed to represent.
Whether this disappointing display resulted from politics, poor planning, bureaucratic indifference, or simple mismanagement, Vermonters deserved far better. Public officials have a responsibility to represent the entire state. Political disagreements should never overshadow opportunities that benefit all Vermonters. When we allow partisan feelings to diminish our state’s image before a national audience, it is the people of Vermont—not politicians—who pay the price.
The real disappointment is not that Vermont lacked the resources to create an inspiring exhibit. It is that those resources—in the form of proud, generous, and hardworking Vermonters—were never fully called upon.
Vermont is one of the most beautiful and unique states in America. Its people deserve to have their state represented with the same pride, creativity, and excellence they demonstrate every day. This was a missed opportunity that should never happen again.
When elected officials allow political differences to become more important than faithfully representing the people and the state they serve, they have forgotten whom they work for.