We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. #DeclarationOfIndependence #America250
Tag: Fourth of July
Marking 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
This weekend, the nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the #Declaration of Independence. The document, however, wasn’t actually signed by the 56 representatives of the Second Continental Congress until Aug. 2, 1776, according to the University of Virginia, whose archives include two copies of the unsigned broadsides published on July 5. Thus, the famous lithograph of the Founding Fathers signing the declaration shows a fictional event — and Independence Day wasn’t celebrated widely until after the (second) U.S. defeat of British forces in the War of 1812. #America250
Keep Your Cookout Safe for the Fourth
#Fourth of July and other #summer #cookouts can be hotbeds of foodborne illnesses. To gather and grill safely, keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F), says the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. Cook meats to a safe internal temperature, and don’t leave anything out for more than two hours. Always keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate and use different cutting boards, plates and utensils for raw meats and cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Marinate in the refrigerator and discard sauces that have touched raw meat. Wash hands, cooking surfaces and containers often. #America250 #SafetyTips
Keep Fireworks Use Safe for America’s 250th
#Fireworks injuries happen every #Fourth of July; more than 13,000 fireworks-related injuries and 15 deaths were logged nationwide in 2025, and the nation’s 250th will likely bring even more. Burns and other injuries are preventable, the Consumer Products Safety Commission says. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire. Light fireworks one at a time and move back fast. Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that didn’t detonate completely. And never use fireworks when impaired by alcohol or drugs. #America250 #SafetyTips
Gearing Up for America’s 250th Birthday
#America is about to #celebrate its 250th birthday. It’s the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and its subsequent reading in each of the 13 original colonies — a momentous event in the history of the world.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That call was truly revolutionary — a radical shift away from the top-down monarchies of the past that eventually helped cement democratic rule in nations throughout the world. That’s something to celebrate.
Planned observations may not rival the Bicentennial’s 200-year celebration, when kids (including your author) painted their fire hydrants red, white and blue; Johnny Cash served as Grand Marshal of a huge parade in the nation’s capital; and the Freedom Train roamed the country.
But there are still plenty of ways to observe Independence Day with reverence and patriotism. You can celebrate by learning about some of the courageous individuals who contributed to the United States’ separation from Britain; kids will find their stories inspiring and you’ll have conversational tidbits for your next cookout and fireworks display.
America 250 is inviting communities to join America’s Block Party, a two-day festival with a flagship live event in Los Angeles starring Queen Latifah, Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins. The party will promote a Giving 4th, a new tradition created to make Independence Day an annual day of #charitable #giving.
Speaking of charitable giving, there may be no better way to honor #freedom and #liberty than to #donate to the #veterans who fought to preserve it. ClothingDonations.org makes it easy by #picking up lightly used goods and reselling them to fund valuable #veterans programs throughout the country.
Whatever you choose to do in #celebration — be it a #parade, fireworks/drone display, cookout or a day of rest — you will be exercising those inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Have a safe and happy Fourth!