Americans Reflect on 250th Independence Day Across Diverse Celebrations

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the nation’s citizens are engaging in a wide array of celebrations and contemplations that reflect the diversity of the country. From the bustling cities to the quiet countryside, Americans are taking this moment to ponder what this significant milestone means to them.

Reporters from NPR’s member stations have traversed the country to capture the essence of this momentous day, bringing stories from coast to coast.

In one ‘City of Presidents,’ Main Street is decorated for a party

Two U.S. cities lay claim to the title “City of Presidents,” and Cuba City, Wisconsin, is one of them, thanks to its patriotic street decor. Red, white, and blue shields representing each U.S. president have adorned the lampposts of Main Street from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day since 1976, in celebration of the bicentennial.

Donna Rogers, the president of this ongoing project, admitted she originally paid little attention to the initiative. “I was raising three little boys and working at John Deere, so I didn’t really pay too much attention to community service at that time,” she said.

Donna Rogers shows off one of Cuba City’s presidential lampposts.

Susan Bence/WUWM

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Susan Bence/WUWM

Despite her initial disinterest, Rogers eventually got involved in maintaining this tradition. Reflecting on pivotal moments in U.S. history, she highlighted the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the nation’s 250th birthday as significant milestones.

To mark the 250th anniversary, Cuba City is set to host a parade and a festival celebrating some of the Founding Fathers’ favorite foods, including mac-and-cheese. Rogers, amusedly admitting she had looked up this historical tidbit, is determined to make the celebration special in her “City of Presidents.”

WUWM’s Susan Bence reported from Cuba City, Wisconsin.

In Georgia, a civics competition inspires hope for future generations

At the Georgia state finals of the National Civics Bee, middle schoolers faced questions on U.S. governance, including the merits of a single energetic executive—a concept promoting accountability and strong leadership.

9th grader Ella Hummel answered correctly. “I’ve always kind of had the idea of serving in politics,” she said after the event. “And I really think that civics has opened my mind.”

With her grandmother Peggy Farmer cheering her on, Ella is set to advance to the bee finals. Farmer, recalling the 1976 bicentennial, noted a different energy surrounding this year’s celebration. “It’s a togetherness type of thing that’s really not around all the time now,” she observed.

Despite the changes over time, Farmer is proud of her grandchild, the Georgia Civics Bee Champion. “Maybe she and the kids that was sitting up there, they can change [the country] a little bit,” she hoped.

GPB’s Sofi Gratas reported from Atlanta.

In Texas, appreciating the process of patriotism

Rodney Ellis, who has served 43 years in public office, is guardedly optimistic that America will stay on a path towards progress.

John Burnett

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John Burnett

Rodney Ellis, a long-serving county commissioner in Houston, plans to celebrate with community picnics. While enjoying traditional barbecue, Ellis reflects on patriotism as an ongoing process. “We should be celebrating that America is a process,” he noted. “Patriotism is telling the truth, and doin’ the work to repair the harms that have come about over these 250 years.”

Having served in public office for over four decades, Ellis has witnessed significant changes. During the bicentennial, there were 18 Black representatives in Congress; today, that number stands at 67. Despite recognizing progress in various areas, he remains cautious about the future.

Ellis acknowledges the challenges America faces, from environmental issues to diversity in government. Yet, with optimism, he believes in the nation’s potential for progress. “Progress is made but along the way sometimes you take two steps forward and 10 steps back, but you don’t give up,” he said.

John Burnett reported from Houston, TX.

In Milwaukee, Fourth of July tacos with a big helping of pride

Gissell Vera is proud to be both American and Mexican. She plans to celebrate both of her cultures with a Fourth of July carne asada cookout.

Maayan Silver/WUWM

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Maayan Silver/WUWM

At a vibrant Milwaukee patio filled with international flags and cumbia music, Gissell Vera plans to celebrate her dual heritage with carne asada tacos. “The music, the colors, the language, all of it is part of me and I am a proud American,” she expressed.

Vera, a U.S. citizen from a mixed-status family, is grateful for the opportunities America has provided her family. Despite uncertainties surrounding immigration reform, Vera chooses to live life without fear.

She resonates with the phrase “ni de aquí ni de allá,” meaning ‘neither from here or there,’ but proudly identifies with both her American and Mexican roots. “I am proud to be from here and from there,” she declared.

To honor the 250th birthday, her family will host a cookout, featuring grilled carne asada instead of traditional hot dogs.

WUWM’s Maayan Silver reported from Milwaukee.

In the Mountain West, a closer look at a national myth

Historian Megan Kate Nelson uses America’s 250th birthday to reexamine foundational myths in U.S. history. Her book, ‘The Westerners’, profiles pioneers who defy the narrative of white settlers moving westward with nuclear families.

The book highlights figures like Polly Bemis, trafficked from China to Idaho, and María Gertrudis Barceló, a Santa Fe gambler. Even Sacagawea receives renewed attention.

A statue of Sacagawea along the banks of the Missouri River in Great Falls, Mont. Sacajawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman, who accompanied Lewis and Clark as an interpreter and guide. Her role in the expedition is reexamined in Megan Kate Nelson’s book.

Matt Volz/AP

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Matt Volz/AP

Sacagawea, for instance, is frequently mentioned in Lewis and Clark’s journals. “I read through the Lewis and Clark journals. They mention her more than 150 times, and she is always doing something or saying something,” Nelson noted. She emphasizes the importance of broadening the narrative of westward expansion.

According to Nelson, it’s crucial to challenge the frontier myth that simplifies American history to a single narrative. “There’s only one white pioneer; there’s only one kind of story of American greatness,” she said.

Ryan Warner reported from Crested Butte, Colorado.

In Rhode Island, the parade is nearly as old as the nation itself

Every Independence Day, the yellow stripes dividing Hope Street get a patriotic makeover.

David Wright/Ocean State Media

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David Wright/Ocean State Media

Bristol, Rhode Island, hosts the nation’s oldest Independence Day parade, celebrating America’s 250th with its 241st event. Over 100 volunteers are involved in organizing this year’s festivities, which include a parade, a golf tournament, a “Miss Fourth of July” pageant, and a gala ball.

Heidi Vermilyea, responsible for parade souvenirs, has a long-standing connection to the event. “I think I’ve missed the parade once when I was in Europe for the Fourth of July,” she shared. Even when not working, she embraces patriotic attire, including a stars-and-stripes pedicure.

Heidi Vermilyea runs the souvenir truck for Bristol’s parade every July 4th. But her American flag outfits are year-round display of her patriotism.

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David Wright/Ocean State Media

For Vermilyea, patriotism transcends political affiliations. “Politics you can be left, right, moderate, whatever,” she explained. “Patriotism is just loving your community. Helping out to make your community, your country a better place.”

Her dedication to the parade and her community is a testament to her love for Bristol and her fellow citizens.

This story was reported by Ocean State Media’s David Wright.

In Oregon, grappling with a complicated history

Mitchell S. Jackson cherishes childhood memories of the Fourth of July, recalling how his mother would dress him in red, white, and blue. But as he grew older, learning about America’s past injustices complicated his relationship with the nation.

Jackson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, was convicted on drug and weapons charges at 21 and served over a year in prison. This experience highlighted systemic issues to him, including the loss of voting rights.