Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War

British-born Thomas Paine helped inspire the 13 English colonies to declare independence and form the United States of America. Yet there's no formal tribute to the author of “Common Sense” from his adopted country. A Washington memorial to Paine was authorized by a 2022 law, and today it awaits approval from the Department of Interior. If approved, the memorial would have a 2030 deadline for completion. Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of “Common Sense.” It’s one of the milestones of a yearlong commemoration of America's founding and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.