Today, America wakes 250 years later as a beacon of hope, a republic entrusted to its people, an idea that changed the world.
A nation worth preserving. A dream worth pursuing. A freedom defended by every generation.
Happy 250th, America! 🇺🇸
AMERICAN PRIDE: The largest-ever fleet of tall ships representing 20 countries sailed up the Hudson River to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The celebration also included a dramatic red, white and blue military flyover above New York City.
I’ve been sharing White House pics all day.
This is arguably one of my favorites!
Pilot Harry Atwood landed a Wright Model B plane on the White House lawn while William Howard Taft 🇺🇸 watched.
#POTUS 😎
Fireworks to Light Up Mount Rushmore Again: A Patriotic Spectacle Returns for America’s 250th Birthday – With President Trump Delivering Keynote Speech
On July 3, 2026, the majestic faces of Mount Rushmore will once more be illuminated by a dazzling fireworks display, marking a triumphant return after years of absence. This event, timed perfectly for the eve of America’s semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—promises to be a celebration of national pride, unity, and the enduring spirit of freedom that defines our great country.
Adding to the historic occasion, President Donald J. Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address tonight beneath the towering granite carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. His remarks will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and chart a course for America’s next chapter, further elevating the evening’s significance.
The decision to bring back the fireworks at this iconic South Dakota landmark fills the hearts of millions of Americans with joy and anticipation. For generations, families have gathered at Mount Rushmore to witness the explosive bursts of color against the presidential sculptures. These leaders embody the foundational values of liberty, innovation, self-reliance, and perseverance that have propelled the United States to unparalleled heights. The return of this tradition—and the addition of the President’s speech—honors their legacy and reminds us of the blessings we enjoy as citizens of the freest nation on Earth.
The announcement first teased in February 2025 and formalized in a June memorandum of agreement comes as a triumph for state leaders eager to revive the beloved spectacle. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed off on the plans alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with President Trump’s participation confirmed in late June. “We’re moving forward with planning,” a state news release declared, emphasizing the event’s role in honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Organizers have worked diligently to ensure the event will be a family-friendly extravaganza, complete with patriotic music, historical reenactments, military bands, flyovers, tributes to the Armed Services, and opportunities for visitors to reflect on America’s remarkable journey from 13 colonies to a global beacon of opportunity. Gates open early for ticket holders (selected via lottery), allowing ample time for picnics on the grounds, photo opportunities with the monumental sculpture, and participation in educational programs about the site’s history. As dusk falls, following President Trump’s address, the sky will erupt in a symphony of red, white, and blue, symbolizing the sacrifices made by our forebears to secure the liberties we hold dear today.
This comeback is a testament to the resilience of American traditions. Mount Rushmore, carved between 1927 and 1941 under the vision of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, stands as a monumental tribute to the principles that built our nation. The fireworks, with their thunderous booms and sparkling trails, echo the revolutionary spirit of 1776 and the ongoing commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Attendees from across the country—farmers from the heartland, entrepreneurs from bustling cities, and veterans who served with honor—will come together in a shared moment of gratitude, united under the President’s words and the spectacular display.
A turning point in the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg ended #OTD in 1863. General George Meade commanded the victorious Union Army in the battle and was honored with a grand statue in #WashingtonDC.