In 1776, America broke free from the British monarchy. Songs are sung about this day, decorations are bought and workers get the day off. This is all thanks to one document: the Declaration of Independence. Now we celebrate this monumental occurrence in the most American way possible: fireworks, parties and barbeque. This year is extra meaningful because it’s the nation’s 250th year of independence.
The Fourth of July is a special day for America, celebrated every year with get-togethers and parties. Red, white and blue; food and fireworks abound.
However, these celebrations wouldn’t occur every summer if not for one document and some famous men.
America’s Declaration of Independence was created by Thomas Jefferson, along with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, William Livingston and Roger Sherman (Brittanica).
July 4, 1776, was the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed, freeing America from the British monarchy that ruled over them– making America the United States (Brittanica).
This year, however, is an extra special Fourth of July for America.
July 4, 2026 marks America’s 250th Independence Day.
Throughout history, different states and regions have celebrated Independence Day in unique ways.
Students from Missouri Baptist University have their own traditions and ways of celebrating too.
Ryleigh Sandifer, from Waterloo, Illinois, is a sophomore studying nursing at MBU.
Sandifer has fond childhood memories of spending time with her grandparents on Independence Day.
“When we were little, we would always go over to my grandparents’, eat ice cream and throw pop-it fireworks on the ground,” said Sandifer in a text.
Her family has a tradition of barbequing and watching or setting off fireworks.
“I normally barbeque with my family and either we buy fireworks or we sit in our backyard and watch the fireworks,” said Sandifer.
According to Britannica, fireworks have been used in Fourth of July celebrations since 1777. While today’s fireworks are mainly red, white and blue, they used to be orange because of more limited resources.
Lauryn Pyatt, a senior communications major at MBU from Eureka, Missouri, also associates Independence Day with fireworks.
“On the Fourth of July, my favorite tradition ever is watching fireworks. It’s a very common one, but I enjoy it so much because it is nostalgic to my childhood. It’s also an opportunity to spend time with many of my loved ones, and I think that’s what makes it so exciting,” said Pyatt via text.
This year, Pyatt especially looks forward to the holiday, as she will be celebrating her best friend who is about to get married.
“My best friend is getting married this year, and she asked me to be her maid of honor,” said Pyatt. “I am planning her bachelorette party for the Fourth of July weekend. … This holiday will be one of the most memorable and cherished Fourth of July’s I think I will ever have.”
Another student at MBU, Sienna Mose, who is a senior double-majoring in criminal justice and communications, traveled to New Mexico last Independence Day.
“I went to New Mexico last year because we were having a big family gathering. We stayed at an Airbnb for a few days in Ruidoso, went sightseeing, horseback riding and even went down a mountain coaster. … Overall, the trip was amazing, and [it was] great to see family that I hadn’t seen in a while,” said Mose in an email.
While most American states set off fireworks to celebrate America’s freedom, New Mexico is an exception.
“Fireworks are usually prohibited in New Mexico because of the desert climate, and it is so dry because it doesn’t rain much, so there were no fireworks,” said Mose. “However, we did have a barbeque and had a cornhole tournament.”
As this year is the 250th anniversary of America’s freedom, celebrations are going to be bigger and better than ever.
Various locations across the U.S. will host big festivals and celebrations.
T-shirts with the words “America 250” can be purchased from america250.org; they also have a countdown to the special day.
The america250.org website sums up the significance and special honor that comes with this year’s Independence Day.
“The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond” (america250.org).
While every Fourth of July is filled with fun memories and traditions, this year is an extra special celebration of not only America’s independence– but also fun moments that the holiday brings for the people of the United States of America.
While you are barbequing with family, traveling or watching a fireworks show– don’t forget to be grateful for all the blessings you have and we have as a nation.
