Independence Day, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood held on July 4. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document announced the separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. In 1870 the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal workers, and in 1938 it became a paid federal holiday. Also called the Fourth of July, the holiday is celebrated across the United States with parades, fireworks shows, picnics, concerts, and other festivities. Independence Day is also notable for its displays of patriotism, as many Americans commemorate the day by flying the American flag and dressing in the flag’s colors of red, white, and blue. (Source: Brittanica)

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. The document announced the 
separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. The vote actually took place on July 2 and was approved by 12 colonies (with New York abstaining).

Interesting 4th of July Facts Every American Should Know

• When the Declaration of Independence was signed, 2.5 million people were living in the newly free nation. That’s about the population of Houston now. In 2020, the United States had a population of about 332 million.
  
• The U.S. motto “E pluribus unum” (Latin for “Out of many, one”) was suggested by the Founding Fathers committee on July 4, 1776.
  
• More than $300 million in fireworks are imported into the U.S. annually.
  
• Sixty percent of all fireworks injuries occur during the month surrounding July 4.
  
• Thomas Jefferson designed his own portable writing desk to pen the Declaration of Independence. He used it throughout the rest of his life until giving it to his granddaughter in 1825.
  
• The two youngest people to sign the Declaration of Independence were Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge, both 26, and both from South Carolina. The oldest was Benjamin Franklin, 70.
  
• Americans eat 155 million hot dogs on July 4th.
  
• Three presidents died on July 4th: Declaration signers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. Adams and Jefferson actually died on the same day: July 4, 1826. It was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
  
• For the annual celebration of Independence Day on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the National Park Service installs 18,000 feet of chain-link fencing, 14,000 feet of bike racks, and nearly 350 portable toilets.

(Source: Military.com)

Trump: America is the ‘crowning achievement of human history’

President Donald Trump speaks during the “Salute to America” Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2026. The nation is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. (Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump declared Saturday that the United States stands as “the crowning achievement of human history” during his speech celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall.

“This country is the home of freedom,” Trump said.

Trump argued the nation is stronger than ever.

“We’re doing better now than we’ve ever done before,” he said. “No people have done more good, showed more courage, made more progress, righted more injustice or achieved more greatness than you, the American people.”

“For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world,” Trump said.

“Nobody can be like us. And with God’s help, we will always be this or even better.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz

Former President Bill Clinton laid into President Donald Trump on America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday.

Clinton attacked Trump’s policies on immigration as well as his decision to launch the war in Iran.

“The people in charge have unleashed masked agents on American communities to seize people from their homes, workplaces, and the street,” Clinton wrote. “They have started an unconstitutional war on a whim, with no clear objectives or exit strategy, and zero regard for the consequences to the lives of millions of people around the world.”

“With the help of lifetime appointees to the Supreme Court and a compliant Congress, they have weaponized government to settle personal scores, prosecute enemies, stamp out free speech, and made the federal government a new profit center for themselves and their allies,” he continued.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

First lady Melania Trump marked America’s 250th year of independence in a post on X on Saturday.

“Freedom is more than a constitutional principle,” Melania wrote. “Individual Liberty is the foundation that lets one create, build businesses, challenge convention, and pursue ideas without fear.”

“Self-determination inspires different thinking,” she continued. “It’s the same free will our founders fought for in 1776 – and the same natural rights America protects today.”

“Happy 250th birthday, USA!” she added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom

American brands are going all in on red, white and blue as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.

From $17.76 burger deals and eagle-shaped coffee cups to collectible Coca-Cola cans and limited-edition snacks, companies are rolling out patriotic promotions tied to America’s semiquincentennial.

Steak ‘n Shake

Steak ’n Shake is offering two “Liberty Meals” for $17.76 throughout July.

The meal includes a double grass-fed Steakburger, beef tallow fries and a Patriot milkshake, according to the chain.

“$17.76 for two Liberty Meals — all July long!” the burger chain wrote on X. “A Liberty Meal includes a double grass-fed Steakburger, beef tallow fries, and a Patriot milkshake. Can’t touch this, Mr. Five Guys.”

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is marking the occasion with a limited-edition “Eagle Cup,” themed merchandise and a summer menu tied to America’s 250th birthday.

The collectible cup features a clear base and a sculpted eagle lid. Dunkin’ said customers can purchase it for $10.99 and receive a free medium beverage.

The cup also includes a promotional code for $3 medium Refreshers or Dunkin’ Zero beverages for 30 days.

“Like summer fireworks, this drop won’t last forever. Quantities of the Eagle Cup are limited, so head to your local Dunkin’ soon before it flies off the shelves,” Dunkin’ said in its June 29 announcement.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Sophia Compton.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom