U.S. marks 250th anniversary of Independence amid partisan disputes over celebrations
The nation observes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with parallel events organized by the bipartisan America250 commission and President Trump’s Freedom 250 group, highlighting both patriotic festivities and political division.
Washington — The United States is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a series of events ranging from fireworks on the National Mall to community concerts and a time-capsule burial in Philadelphia. The celebrations are being coordinated by two competing entities: the bipartisan America250 commission, created by Congress a decade ago, and the Freedom 250 organization, established by an executive order from President Donald Trump.
America250’s program includes a "Block Party" series of concerts, a benefit show in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah featuring performers such as Chris Stapleton and the Smashing Pumpkins, and the placement of a 900-pound time capsule in Philadelphia that will be opened in 250 years. The capsule contains items from each state and various branches of government, including a pocket Constitution and a vintage Coca-Cola bottle.
Freedom 250 is overseeing marquee events such as the Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall, a tall-ship parade in New York, and a "Great American State Fair" on the Mall, where President Trump delivered a speech on American achievements and announced he would headline the July Fourth ceremony.
Public opinion on national pride appears mixed. An April poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 44 % of respondents consider the United States "just one of the best" countries, indicating a decline in the belief in American exceptionalism.
Local celebrations are also taking place across the country, from a patriotic choir performance in Evans, Pennsylvania, to a drag-queen-led reading of patriotic picture books in Pocatello, Idaho. These grassroots events reflect a range of ways Americans are marking the milestone.
"Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete," Mark Twain wrote in 1905, a sentiment echoed in contemporary discussions about the meaning of loyalty to the nation versus loyalty to the government.
The dual organization of the anniversary events underscores the ongoing political polarization, with each side accusing the other of politicizing the festivities.
