WASHINGTON – This year marks a significant milestone for the United States as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of independence from Great Britain. Festivities are ramping up, but many communities are also keeping safety in mind due to the extreme heat affecting parts of the country.
President Donald Trump is set to travel to South Dakota to give a speech and watch fireworks at the iconic Mount Rushmore. In a unique twist, New York City’s Times Square will host a ball drop at midnight to kick off the July Fourth celebrations, similar to its New Year’s Eve festivities.
The main event will occur on Saturday, featuring fireworks in communities across the nation, along with backyard barbecues and local block parties. Trump will also deliver a speech at the National Mall in Washington, where a spectacular fireworks display is expected to take place.
Despite the excitement, safety is a top priority as many areas are experiencing potentially record-breaking heat. Officials are urging people to stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when needed.
The heat has already impacted some holiday programming. For example, organizers of the Capitol Fourth concert in Washington had to cancel public attendance at a rehearsal due to extreme temperatures, and the concert itself could be canceled as well. To ensure safety during celebrations on Saturday, organizers are adding water stations and cooling resources.
Across the country, from Boston to Gettysburg, plans are being adjusted to accommodate the heat. Amtrak has even canceled some train services in the Northeast due to the excessive temperatures affecting the tracks.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations come at a time of reflection on the nation’s history and current political divisions. The anniversary is a chance for Americans to unite in celebration but also to recognize the complexities of the present day.
Interestingly, two organizations leading the celebrations have differing perspectives. Freedom 250, aligned with the White House, has organized events like the Great American State Fair, while America250, a bipartisan group, is behind the ball drops in various cities and a concert in Los Angeles.
According to a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 40% of U.S. adults feel “proud” of the country’s 250th anniversary, while around 30% expressed feelings of “excitement.”
Joe Fuqua-Bejarano, an auto technician from Topeka, Kansas, shared his thoughts on what makes the country special. He believes it’s not politics but rather the resilience of the people that shines through. “We’ve just all got to find unity somewhere, whether that’s in laughter or perseverance, and keep everybody cool,” he said.
Christina Zhou, a 25-year-old research assistant from Cambridge, Massachusetts, plans to focus on local issues during the holiday. “It feels a little bit more like within our own personal control,” she noted.
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Associated Press writers John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., Michael Casey in Cambridge, Mass., and Calvin Woodward in Washington contributed to this report.
