‘Jefferson Still Lives’: America’s Anniversary Parties From the Past

A look at America’s past Fourth of July celebrations, from tall ships to Jefferson’s final words, and what they reveal about the nation today.

People listen to President Donald Trump’s speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the kick off of a yearlong buildup to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 3, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

In just a few short weeks, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. Coming down the pike are block parties, massive fireworks displays, small-town parades, reenactments on Revolutionary War battlefields, tributes to our military, concerts, and initiatives to increase volunteer service and donations to charities.

Established by Congress to lead these celebrations, America 250 has served as the chief party planner for these events, gathering together individuals, organizations, and state and federal agencies to bring off this big bash. It intends to light up the candles on the Fourth of July cake not only by looking at 1776, but at our history and the place of our country and its revolutionary Declaration of Independence in the world today.