At America’s Birthplace, a Celebration of 250 Years of Independence

Performers and visitors at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall brave extreme heat to reflect on the nation’s history and hopes for its future.

Despite temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thousands of performers and visitors gathered around Philadelphia Independence Mall, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, on July 3, 2026. Nearly 200 Falun Dafa practitioners from the Tian Guo Marching Band and Chinese waist drum team performed. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

PHILADELPHIA—Despite temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thousands of visitors gathered at Independence Mall in the birthplace of the United States on July 3 to celebrate America’s founding principles—life, liberty, and faith—on its 250th anniversary.

Although the city’s planned grand parade was canceled because of the extreme heat, organizers continued with performances throughout the Independence National Historical Park, allowing thousands of spectators to take part in the landmark celebration. while performers and visitors reflected on the nation’s history and hopes for its future.

Philadelphia occupies a unique place in American history. The Declaration of Independence was adopted at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the birth of the United States, and 11 years later, in 1787, the U.S. Constitution was drafted and signed in the same building. From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.

New Americans Celebrate Freedom

Among the day’s highlights was the Tian Guo Marching Band, made up of nearly 200 Falun Dafa practitioners, together with a traditional Chinese waist drum team from New York. Their performances drew applause and cameras from spectators in the historic park that contains Independenc Hall as well as the Liberty Bell.

Michelle Mi, a drum major with the band, said they were excited to participate despite the intense heat.

“The spirit in Philadelphia today is very wonderful, ” she said. “Even though it’s extremely hot, there are many groups performing in different parks, and the spirit here is great.”

Mi immigrated to the United States 30 years ago and said America has given her the freedom to grow while deepening her appreciation for the country’s values.

“I really love the culture here,” she said. “People are very kind, and there’s the spirit of freedom. There’s a lot of innovation. There are many things about this country I really appreciate. So I’m very excited to celebrate America’s 250th year.”

Despite temperatures approaching 100 degrees, thousands of performers and visitors gather at Philadelphia Independence Mall on July 3, 2026, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

A parade of costumed participants braves the heat to march around Philadelphia Independence Mall, in a celebration of America's 250th anniversary, on July 3, 2026. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

Performers and visitors take part in the celebration around Philadelphia Independence Mall, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, on July 3, 2026. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

Performers participate in the festivities around Philadelphia Independence Mall, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, on July 3, 2026. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

Thousands of costumed performers  take a break in the shade around Philadelphia Independence Mall, as they celebrate America's 250th anniversary, on July 3, 2026. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

A Chinese waist drum team from New York performs at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 3, 2026. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times

She said preserving America’s founding ideals begins with living by universal values.

“Our band is made up of Falun Dafa practitioners,” she said. “Falun Dafa is a spiritual meditation practice, originally from China, and our practice principles revolve around truthfulness, compassion, tolerance, so we strive towards these values in our everyday life.”

Having spent her childhood under communist rule, Mi said freedom should never be taken for granted.

“There are many influences that are taking stronger hold here, leaning towards communism, and that’s very worrisome,“ she said. ”I lived in a communist country until graduating elementary school, so I knew what it was like to be in a communist country, and it’s not the ideals that they advertise.”

Michelle Mi, a drum major with the Tian Guo Marching Band, performed at the Independence National Historicical Park in Philadelphia on July 3, 2026. Nancy Wang/The Epoch Times

Descendant of Revolutionary Patriots Lauds History

Jim Fendrick, a financial adviser and member of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), attended the celebration with his 6-year-old twin sons.

He said his ancestor arrived in America in 1624 to escape religious persecution, and several fought in the Revolutionary War alongside George Washington. Fendrick himself also served in the military.

“I’m really happy, because my family was a part of the Revolutionary War,” he said. “Anybody willing to lay down their life for their country is a great thing. I appreciate that.”

Jim Fendrick, a financial adviser and member of National Society Sons of the American Revolution, attends the celebration with his sons at the Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, on July 3, 2026. Nancy Wang/The Epoch Times

Fendrick said he believes that preserving America’s future begins with teaching children the nation’s history.

“We really need to teach children the whole story of the revolution, the sacrifice, our Constitution Bill of Rights,” he said. “Only by understanding history can they appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Fendrick homeschools his sons and said programs offered by the Sons of the American Revolution help young people develop a deeper understanding of American history and civic responsibility.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in America’s future. “I hope it’s 2,500 someday.”

Our Founding Fathers “laid a great foundation, we just keep on going and following the principles of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” he said.

Reenactors Honor America’s Founders

For Roseanne and Philip Swain of Massachusetts, the celebration was an opportunity to bring Revolutionary War history to life.

Wearing authentic 1775 Massachusetts militia uniforms, the couple joined fellow reenactors performing with fifes, drums, and muskets.

“I’m melting in this heat,” Roseanne, a retired music teacher and fife player, joked. “We’re really disappointed that the parade had to be canceled, but safety comes first.”

Philip, an attorney, said he was glad to participate. “I’m proud. I think we have a great country, and we’re happy to celebrate the 250th anniversary.”

Roseanne and Philip Swain of Massachusetts, dressed in authentic 1775 Massachusetts militia uniforms, performed at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 3, 2026. Nancy Wang/The Epoch Times

The couple said reenacting history has deepened their appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s founders.

“When we march in a cold parade or a hot parade, we think back ... how did they do it? ” She said. “We thank them so much for doing what they did. It wasn’t easy.”

Philip added: “We just keep remembering what they did and talking about it and saying their names.”

The couple agree that history education is essential to preserving America’s founding principles.

“We have to keep teaching the lessons,” Roseanne said. “Including the lessons we’re teaching by dressing up and, and doing these reenactments, and just talking about the reasons behind the Declaration of Independence, and our other significant events, like the Civil War, World War II, and so on.”

Nancy Wang contributed to this article.