America’s 250th birthday is on sale. Where’s all that merch money going?

As the United States commemorates its 250th birthday, a variety of commercial merchandise is being sold to celebrate, from decorative pillows to youth tees. These products are part of an initiative by America250, a commission established by Congress a decade ago to promote the nation's heritage. The money raised from these sales is a point of curiosity and debate, with questions emerging about where the funds are actually going and their intended use. This commercialization of national milestones highlights the intersection of patriotism and profit in modern America.