The 250th anniversary of American independence is being marked across the United States with various celebrations, despite the country being gripped by political polarization and a heat wave affecting millions of people.
Celebrations Across the Country
President Donald Trump is set to speak on the National Mall in Washington ahead of a historically enormous fireworks show. Fireworks are also scheduled to be set off over Navy Pier in Chicago and against the skyline of New York City.
In Los Angeles, Queen Latifah will host a concert featuring performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Stapleton. Bristol, Rhode Island, which describes itself as home of the nation’s oldest Independence Day celebrations, will continue its tradition dating back to 1785.
A Nation Divided
The celebrations are unfolding against the backdrop of a deep divide in the country, with political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on millions of people. Former Democratic President Bill Clinton stated that this anniversary milestone comes at a time of “renewed questions about America’s future and role in the world, and serious threats to our own institutions and to our democracy itself.”
Despite the challenges, many Americans are coming together to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Auto technician Joe Fuqua-Bejarano in Topeka, Kansas, said that what makes America great is its resilience and the ability to find unity in difficult times.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
