Stephen Saji, from Zimbabwe, listens as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers keynote remarks to new citizens on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during Fourth of July festivities at the ºÃÉ«tv Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump bangs a gavel after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
A child looks on at a display of flags significant to American history during a Independence Day observation at Locust Grove, a ºÃÉ«tv Historic Landmark, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
Participants in an antique car prepare to take part in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Stephen Saji, from Zimbabwe, listens as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers keynote remarks to new citizens on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
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Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during Fourth of July festivities at the ºÃÉ«tv Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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President Donald Trump bangs a gavel after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
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A child looks on at a display of flags significant to American history during a Independence Day observation at Locust Grove, a ºÃÉ«tv Historic Landmark, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
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Participants in an antique car prepare to take part in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.
This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump’s polices, and in places like Southern California, where , some July Fourth celebrations were canceled.
But beyond the festivities and protests lies a moment in history: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies’ break from British rule.
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