Posted on 07/04/2026 11:14:09 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
Cities pull out all the stops despite a scorching heat wave, with historic re-enactments, concerts and dazzling fireworks
Two-and-a-half centuries after adopting the Declaration of Independence, America is marking its semiquincentennial with a coast-to-coast spectacle.
Scorching temperatures dampened some of the July 4 weekend fun. A heat dome that brought sweltering conditions to much of the country this past week forced some schedule changes and cancellations Saturday. Temperatures were expected to hit nearly 100 degrees in several major East Coast cities, with officials warning people to stay hydrated and limit activity outdoors.
Some festivities, including Philadelphia’s Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, were canceled because of the heat. Washington’s Independence Day Parade was also canceled for the safety of staff and spectators, its organizers said. The National Weather Service said the feels-like temperature in D.C. could top 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Still many were not discouraged. In Boston, hundreds braved the 90-degree heat to gather outside the Old State House for a reading of the Declaration of Independence—the same spot the declaration was read to a rowdy crew 250 years ago. Some people donned colonial-style hats, while others draped themselves in American flags or painted their faces red, white and blue.
A captain from a Massachusetts artillery unit recited from the historical document, with the line “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” drawing a roaring cheer.
“The last time I saw this many people was when the Celtics won the championship,” said Sarah Zettek, a 68-year-old retired home health worker. She clutched a copy of the Declaration of Independence that had been printed in her newspaper.
“Many other countries do not have the freedom that we do,” Zettek said. “For all the criticism of our current government, it’s stable.”
The party has been under way for weeks in some places...
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
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Amen! The ultimate “No More Kings” rallies are being held coadt to coast. But the “No More Kings” contingent are oddly quiet except for Ugandan Communists who have nothing inspiring or patriotic to offer.
I was stationed on the the USS Nimitz back in the early 80s. Receiving a 21 Gun salute in NYC was awesome yesterday..
Been watching the flyover.
That has been fascinating, exciting, impressive...
Just saw the Golden Knight and Leapfrogs...
Army helos...
Air force heavies next at around 2:44 local time.
Looks like they’ve scheduled flyovers for every 10 to 20 minutes until after 8 PM tonight.
my ac is set to 70 but it’s running at 72 and can’t go down anymore.
i’m dreading the few minutes of heat while i smoke my afternoon joint outside.
glad i decided to skip eu this year, can’t wait to see hokkaido soon in japan.
Loving the National State Fair in DC. Great patriotic people everywhere.
Where are you watching it? I have been trying to find a link.
I’m in DC at the fair grounds on the National mall, 4th & Madison. Here for the whole weekend. The FL booth is impressive. We’ve been helping out some friends in the new england state booths.
RSBN is covering it.
I should have known. Thanks.
bump
I’m not celebrating anything. The SCOTUS dismantled/destroyed the future of this nation the past 2 weeks. Trump is not even deporting illegals at the same rate as Obama did, it’s disgusting. In 2 years, Republicans who served under Trump will be rounded up, and the border will once again be wide open. The amount of illegals flooding this country will dwarf what Biden did.
I’m going to concentrate on paying off my house and keeping my affairs in order, protecting my family. In 2 years, this country will be absolute chaos.
You do realize, or maybe not, that illegals tuned away at the border were counted as deported by the Obama Regime.
He didn’t actually deport what has been reported.
I think this is the BEST country in the world, and we are going to keep it that way.
Happy Birthday, America. It’s hard to believe that I have lived through 30% of this country’s history.
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