Fourth of July: Governors Commemorate 250 Years of the Nation’s Independence

From coast to coast, states are marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, also known as the country's semiquincentennial celebration.

Rachel Acenas

Published: 7/3/2026, 1:47:49 PM EDT

Fourth of July: Governors Commemorate 250 Years of the Nation’s Independence — US Army soldiers stand in formation next to a US flag and a US Army armoured vehicle as they take part in the NATO 'Noble Blueprint 23' joint military exercise at the Novo Selo military ground, northwestern Bulgaria, on Sept. 26, 2023. (Nikolay Doychinov/AFP via Getty Images)

Governors across the country are commemorating America's independence by sharing Fourth of July messages and encouraging Americans to celebrate with patriotism, issuing official proclamations, and announcing statewide initiatives.

From coast to coast, states are marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, also known as the country's semiquincentennial celebration.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched America 250 Florida, a year-long statewide commemoration of the United States' 250th anniversary. The initiative includes historical exhibits, educational programs, patriotic events, and celebrations across the state.

DeSantis also gave nearly 100,000 state employees a five-day weekend for Independence Day by closing state offices from July 2 through 6. The move was intended to mark the holiday and the United States’ 250th anniversary.

His administration has framed the semiquincentennial as an opportunity to emphasize civic education, the country's founding principles, and patriotic observances throughout the year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the state’s official Independence Day proclamation, reflecting on the nation's 250th anniversary and highlighting democracy, civil rights, and opposition to authoritarianism.

His administration has also promoted Fourth of July–related initiatives, including free access to California's State Parks Historian Passport through the holiday weekend as part of the nation's 250th anniversary observance.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released a positive statewide Fourth of July video message reflecting on the country's 250th birthday, honoring military service members, and encouraging families to celebrate while passing on a love of country to future generations.

“There’s no better time to be an Alabamian than right now. I am more optimistic than ever before for the future of Alabama and our country,” Ivey said in the video message.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro acknowledged first responders, commending them on their service on a holiday.

“As Pennsylvanians enjoy the parades, picnics, and fireworks happening this weekend to celebrate our 250th anniversary, we’re grateful for our police officers, firefighters, and first responders who are spending time away from their own families to keep us safe,” Shapiro wrote on X. “To all of the men and women protecting our communities this Independence Day weekend: Thank you. We’ve got your backs.”

Shapiro also released a video message to Pennsylvanians, sharing the story of American soldier Margaret Cochran, who fought alongside her husband on the battlefield in the American Revolutionary War.

Similarly, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger published a patriotic video message that touted Virginia as the "center of every chapter of our shared American story.

The video, created by the Virginia American Revolution 250 commission, said there's no better time to reconnect with the country "in a place that made it possible."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has encouraged residents to celebrate the nation’s independence by attending Sail4th 250, the massive international tall ships celebration commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary. The festivities include more than 30 tall ships, military vessels, air shows, and expanded fireworks displays over New York Harbor.

She has encouraged New Yorkers to participate in more than 200 America250 events taking place across the state, including Revolutionary War reenactments, museum exhibits, state historic site programs, and community celebrations.

Ahead of the holiday weekend, Hochul announced statewide transportation and public safety measures, including increased highway patrols, roadwork suspensions where possible, and travel preparations intended to ease congestion during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.