Celebrating America250

Celebrating America250: 
A Message from Our CEO

July 1, 2026

Teammates and Friends,

America's Semiquincentennial, our nation's 250th birthday, is upon us.

250 years ago, our founders acted on a brilliant vision of a nation built on the belief that all people are "created equal" and endowed with the unalienable rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  Now is a perfect time to reflect on the remarkable country we've become, the progress we've made toward that founding vision, and the role each of us can play in shaping America's journey to its Tricentennial in 2076.

I was in high school during our nation's Bicentennial in 1976.  Special Bicentennial flags, bunting, and red, white, and blue decorations were everywhere then.  Apple introduced its first computer that year, the Apple I.  And disco, bell-bottoms, and polyester shirts were all the rage.  While mobile phones, GPS, email, and social media didn't exist, every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern, families nationwide gathered around the single television in the house to watch Happy Days simultaneously on ABC.  We’re quite a different country now.

“The Spirit of ’76,” as it was called, was more than a birthday celebration.  It helped lift the morale of the entire country after years of division and turmoil.  In many ways, it became a bridge between the America shaped by the Korean War and Vietnam War eras and the technology-driven, globally connected nation that emerged in the decades that followed.

Now, here we are together in 2026, working for a great American company as our nation marks another historic milestone.

I'm proud that Leidos has stepped forward as America250's Founding Innovation Partner.  In our own way, we're making a statement about our confidence in America's future.  We honor the first 250 years by helping build a future worthy of that remarkable legacy.

I think about that every day when I look across Leidos.  Our people, many of you reading this, bring your best to solve hard problems in service to our nation, our allies, and our communities.  We share a deep sense of purpose.  We believe the future can be better.  And we feel a productive sense of urgency that we must “Outsmart and Outdo” what’s been done before to deliver on our full potential.

Those qualities define Leidos.  They also reflect some of the very best qualities of America.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, let's do so with pride in what we've accomplished, gratitude for those who made it possible, and confidence in what we can achieve together in the years ahead.

So, get out the flags, bunting, and the red, white, and blue.  Display them proudly.  Celebrate with family and friends.  Be inspired and inspire others.  And have a great Semiquincentennial weekend.

Thomas A. Bell
Chief Executive Officer