The 4th of July isn’t just a date, it’s a national heartbeat of Americans, a celebration of liberty, pride and unity. Every year on the Fourth of July, America lights up the sky to celebrate its Independence day. Decades ago the Continental Congress signed a document – Declaration of Independence in 1776 that declared the independence of 13 North American Colonies from Great Britain. So when the Americans gather on Independence day to sing the national anthem or watch the rocket’s red glare they aren’t just celebrating barbeque and baseball but they are celebrating their freedom and self-rule.
250 Years of the American Spirit
This year, the United States is celebrating 250th Independence Day – a day which is not just a celebration of independence but a day to celebrate the American spirit that led to this freedom.
It’s a day when the sky bursts with color, streets are crowded with parades and every backyard is like a mini festival.
As the night falls, cities and small towns are full of fireworks that dazzle the sky. Whether it’s the big show over the National Mall in the capital or neighborhood display in small town America, fireworks are the jewel of the Fourth of July.
The parades roll through town to town with marching bands, vintage cars, military tributes and waving flags. People wear clothes in colors of the American flag, blue white and red. Every backyard throws a party with BBQ, hotdogs and corn on the cob and families gather and enjoy to the fullest.
Notable Celebrations
- The first Independence Day celebrations were held in 1777 in Philadelphia and Boston. In Philadelphia the celebrations included fireworks and bell ringing.
- To honor the 13 colonies, a fleet of ships fire 13 cannon salutes and a cannon was fired from each of 13 galleys.
- In Boston the festivities included fireworks and shells fired over the city’s commons. In the 21st century both cities continue to celebrate the Fourth of July with full energy and enthusiasm.
- In the United States capital, the day is marked with free concerts and fireworks displays over the National Mall.
The Great America
Thomas Jefferson called America “the world’s best hope.” Abraham Lincoln later called it “the last best hope of Earth.” Why? Because America is not just a place. It’s a promise.
The time when 13 colonies were struggling for independence and now that America is a superpower that can even put a man on the moon, America has shown the world what’s possible when courage meets conviction.
This is the very land that invented the light bulb, powered the world with the internet, and dared to fly when the world was still walking. What makes America great isn’t just power but principle.
The Constitution, the Bill of Rights-a system where no one is above the law. Today America is a superpower, a country with veto power in the Security Council, a country that is bringing peace to the world through resolving conflicts and bringing ceasefires agreements.
A Toast to the Future
Here arises the real question, what does independence mean in 2025 for Americans? It’s not just about borders and flags. It’s more about the freedom to speak your mind, to worship as you choose, to live and love freely, and to challenge the status quo.
It means democracy, holding leaders accountable for their actions, and fighting for the rights of those who are marginalized and still unheard. As true patriotism isn’t just about fireworks, flag-waving and backyard parties.
It’s about asking hard and tough questions. It’s about striving to make the country better for everyone. It’s about celebrating progress while never ignoring the past. The 4th of July is not about showing America is perfect but it’s about remembering that America is possible, it’s to remember to not repeat the same mistakes.
It’s to confront the country’s flaws and hope and struggle for a better and better country where everyone feels safe and it’s free of discrimination, a place where black lives matter, a place where immigrants feel secure, a place where no one feels left out and marginalized.
An IR student whose interest lies in diplomacy and current affairs and a part time debater
