Photo caption: US flag
“249 Years of Freedom, Courage, and Democracy!” — On July 4, the United States marks its Independence Day, celebrating nearly two and a half centuries since the country’s founding.
The national holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies declared their separation from British rule. Since then, the Fourth of July has become a symbol of liberty, national pride, and democratic values — celebrated with fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and patriotic events across the country.
As the United States celebrates its 249th birthday, world leaders and citizens alike reflect on the ideals of freedom, bravery, and democracy that continue to shape the country’s identity and global influence.
Across the country, millions of Americans are celebrating with traditional and modern festivities. Fireworks remain the centerpiece of the evening, with major cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles preparing for grand displays. The National Mall in D.C. will host its iconic fireworks show at 9:09 p.m., while cities like Denver and Salt Lake City have opted for eco-friendly drone shows—a growing trend that reduces noise and wildfire risk.
Parades and local festivals are also in full swing. In Bristol, Rhode Island, home to the nation’s oldest Fourth of July parade, thousands are lining the streets for a tradition that began in 1785. Other towns across the US are hosting street fairs, picnics, concerts, and family-friendly events.
While many are waving flags and watching fireworks, others are using the holiday to protest and express political discontent. Nationwide demonstrations organized by groups like Women’s March and Indivisible—under banners such as “Free America Weekend” or “No Kings 2.0”—highlight issues such as reproductive rights, immigration policy, and government overreach.
Despite these tensions, the American spirit of freedom—including the right to protest—remains a central part of the day’s meaning.
=== Georgia Today ===
Photo caption: US White House
Presidential Message on the 249th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the cause of American liberty was enshrined in ink when 56 patriots gathered in what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to sign the Declaration of Independence. They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they declared, “all men are created equal.”
As we honor 249 glorious years of American independence, we celebrate these rights upon which our nation was built—and we pay tribute to the titans of freedom who risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to secure our sovereignty.
In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson began drafting what would later become one of the core foundational documents of the United States. After 17 days of writing and several days of deliberations, revisions, and scrutiny over every line and every phrase, on July 4, 1776, Jefferson and his fellow signatories formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Though the consequences of their actions were far from certain, the Second Continental Congress pressed forward with fierce determination, clarity of purpose, and an unshakable faith in God’s divine providence. Our Founding Fathers boldly proclaimed “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
To this day, these words give life to our Republic, stir the hearts of every citizen, and animate our way of life. The Declaration of Independence was not just a statement of political protest but a revolution in moral and political thought. For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, there has been no greater barrier to tyranny and oppression than these mighty words, rooted in “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”
As we approach 250 years of independence, one year from today, my Administration continues to work tirelessly to revive our sovereignty, restore our strength, and reclaim the sacred ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Today, we summon the courage of every legend of liberty who bravely signed his name to the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago—and we invoke the spirit of 1776 to propel our Nation into a new era of restoration, renewal, confidence, and strength.
=== White House ===
