America’s 250th birthday is officially on Saturday, but the celebrations have already begun. Even our Senators were so excited that they left a week early (much to our chagrin). From historical sites across the nation to your backyard, we have compiled a list of some of the astounding displays of patriotism in which you can take part. Before the parties begin, we remind you that the best way to observe our nation’s birthday is to re-read and re-examine our Declaration of Independence and to rededicate ourselves to the principles of our nation’s founding document.
As we face uncertain times full of political division, let us remember why our nation has survived these past 250 years. The inspiring words of the Declaration of Independence changed the course of world history. As our founder Phyllis Schlafly wrote, “The Declaration of Independence is the official and unequivocal affirmation by the American people of their belief and faith in God. It affirms God’s existence as a ‘self-evident’ truth that requires no further discussion or debate. The nation created by the great Declaration is God’s country. The rights it defines are God-given. The actions of its signers are God-inspired. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that life and liberty are the unalienable gifts of God — natural rights — which no person or government can rightfully take away.”
There are countless ways you can celebrate the extraordinary nation, our history and our founding principles. If you are traveling to Washington, D.C., the Trump administration has unveiled several celebrations that showcase the history and everyday practices that make America exceptional. Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair is currently running until July 10th on the National Mall. This massive exhibition showcases the 56 states and territories, as well as branches of the military, industries and businesses, and a huge Ferris wheel overlooking our Nation’s capital. At one end of the National Mall, visitors can watch the FIFA World Cup Soccer games with fans from around the world. At the other end, you can tour the grand opening of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum that is suspended below the iconic sitting statue of Abraham Lincoln. Perhaps the most spectacular sight, though, will be overhead! On Independence Day, a record-breaking 40-minute fireworks show featuring 850,000 pyrotechnics will decorate the skies on Saturday evening.
You don’t have to travel far to celebrate our Nation’s birthday and learn more of our history. Many historical sites across the land have also made big plans. Homes of Presidents are nestled in various states, and great ways to learn more about the people who helped shape our country. George Washington’s and Thomas Jefferson’s estates can be found in Virginia. Massachusetts was home to John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Harry S. Truman owned a home in Independence, Missouri. Martin Van Buren’s and Theodore Roosevelt’s homes are still open for tours in New York. Speaking of Teddy Roosevelt, on July 4th, the newest Presidential Library will open in Medora, North Dakota – the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. You can find a long list of other interesting places on the National Park Service website here.
From sea to shining sea, there is so much to do! The fireworks at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota are sure to be spectacular. A 250th-themed ball drop will happen in Times Square in New York City on July 3rd to kick off the festivities. War reenactments are taking place across battle sites such as Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Fort Ticonderoga, New York. Of course, Philadelphia, PA, will have a litany of events, including parades, symphony performances, and the commemorative 13 taps of the Liberty Bell for each of the 13 original colonies.
If you happen to get rained out or cannot travel very far, there are at-home and local opportunities. PragerU partnered with the White House to feature a Founders Museum on its website. It consists of a series of videos highlighting the men and women who play a foundational role in creating the United States. If you prefer the big screen, Angel Studios’ Young Washington will be in theaters and tells the story of the formative years of George Washington’s life. You can also follow along with 1776 Live on X to see a day-by-day account of what happened on this day in 1776.
Some of the best celebrations are held at home, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. If you are hosting at your home for Independence Day or going next door for a cookout, you are building the bonds that are the foundation of our country. Strong faith, strong families, and strong communities are imperative for a strong nation. You can find more events through your state and city’s websites, the National Park Service website, Freedom 250, and America 250.
We would love to see how you are celebrating our great country on its 250th Independence Day. Tag Eagle Forum on your social media pages so that we can give you a thumbs up! We would also love for you to spread the news about our upcoming conference — Eagle Council 54 — in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 24-26. You can receive a discount for groups of ten or more attendees from your state, so while you are making friends standing in line at a historical site or shooting the breeze at the neighborhood block party, let them know that they can continue the fun with the Eagles in Nashville this September!
No matter where you are, we urge you to pray for our nation and its leaders and spend time contemplating the meaning and importance of these words from the Declaration: 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. May God bless you and the United States of America.
The week of June 22nd was another exciting week at Eagle Forum. I continued the week doing in-depth research on surrogacy. The week also kicked off with the weekly Eagle Forum planning call, where we discussed how to best proceed with priorities such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, and the Dobbs Anniversary. The Eagle Forum Capitol Hill Report, titled No, Roe Was Just the Beginning, showcased actions by the House and Senate celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
On Tuesday, we attended Senate meetings discussing the Road to Housing Act and the ongoing benefits of the Working Family Tax Cuts (One Big, Beautiful Bill). Throughout the week, I gained insider knowledge about how each bill was moving (or not moving), the obstacles each measure faced, and the negotiations underway.
Eagle Forum’s work goes beyond federal issues, though. I was able to meet several Eagle Forum State Leaders virtually and learned about what they are working on in their home states.
I have continued to meet with prominent people in the conservative movement. Federal Government Affairs Director for National Right to Life, Madison LaClare, spent time sharing how she came to work for the life cause, her college experience, and general advice on advancing our ideas.
My internship with Eagle Forum continues to provide me with the experience and knowledge of pro-family issues within our federal government, and I am looking forward to another week of learning!