Washington: US President Donald Trump has proclaimed July 4, 2026, as the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the US Declaration of Independence, calling it a celebration of America’s founding ideals and urging citizens to mark the historic milestone with national ceremonies honouring the country’s heritage, history and achievements.
In a presidential proclamation issued on the eve of Independence Day, Trump described the Declaration of Independence as a timeless charter of freedom, saying it continues to guide the United States even after two and a half centuries.
‘Spirit of Founders Still Guides America’
“Today, as one American People, we celebrate and carry forward the spirit our Founders kindled in Philadelphia,” Trump said, adding that the nation would continue to become “stronger, prouder, richer, and greater than ever before.”
He traced the origins of American independence to July 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration drafted by Thomas Jefferson following a resolution by Richard Henry Lee calling for independence from British rule.
Declaration’s Core Ideals Highlighted
The President highlighted the Declaration’s central assertion that “all men are created equal” and are endowed with “unalienable Rights,” including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
He also recalled key moments of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and Yorktown, saying these shaped a national spirit of “faith, courage, grit and self-determination.”
From Revolution to Modern America
Trump cited major milestones in US history, including the Civil War, abolition of slavery, industrial expansion, victories in the World Wars, the Moon landing, and technological advancements in science and medicine.
He said American innovation had transformed global life through inventions such as the telephone, personal computer and internet.
Future Vision: Space, AI and Energy Expansion
Outlining his vision for the future, Trump said the United States would continue to “reclaim sovereignty, restore territorial integrity and defend liberty,” while preserving its heritage and culture.
He also highlighted ambitions in space exploration, artificial intelligence, quantum research and energy development, stating that America would “return to the Moon and plant the Stars and Stripes on Mars.”
America 250 Celebrations Underway
The proclamation comes as the United States prepares for nationwide celebrations under the America250 initiative, a congressionally established programme marking 250 years of independence.
According to official planning documents, federal agencies, states and cultural institutions are organising exhibitions, civic events and educational programmes across the country to commemorate the semiquincentennial.
Earlier reports (ANI/other agencies) noted that Trump has also been leading the White House task force overseeing several “Freedom 250” events, including large-scale national celebrations planned across Washington and other states ahead of July 4, 2026.
Call to Citizens
Trump urged Americans to observe the anniversary “with due ceremony,” calling it a moment to honour the nation’s founding principles and achievements.
He also said the United States remains “the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history,” reinforcing his long-standing message of American exceptionalism.
The 250th anniversary celebrations are expected to continue throughout 2026 with nationwide participation from government institutions, communities and cultural organisations.
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