Get ready for the semiquincentennial: Americans celebrate a 250th anniversary

This Fourth of July, the U.S. is gearing up for a 250th-anniversary celebration marked by grand parties, political rallies, and heated protests reflecting the nation's deep divisions. The America250 and Freedom 250 initiatives aim to commemorate the nation's founding with both celebratory and critical perspectives. While some will honor the nation’s historical milestones, others will use the occasion to voice dissent and critique. This anniversary underscores the ongoing debates about American identity and the nation's future direction amid its complex history.