Independence Day weekend, America marks its 250th birthday

An interesting piece of this statement is that Kaine's spox said he attended the America 250 event, but it was a *Freedom* 250 event, which is different. America 250 is a nonprofit org, Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership established by Trump to do stuff like the great american state fair.

Today, July 2, marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution formally severing ties with Britain and establishing the 13 colonies as “free and independent States.” Here's why July Fourth, not the second, came to be regarded as “Independence Day”:

Trump's White House-based "Freedom 250" initiative may've sought to outshine "America 250", the bipartisan, congressionally-overseen effort that predated it. But if my anecdotal experience says anything, America 250 may've won the merch war: Their flags, shirts, etc., are *everywhere.*

America reaching 250 is cool to me but unfortunately there is nothing to celebrate. I love seeing the signs everywhere though.

Fifty years ago, this massive mural was painted on the spillway of the Prado Dam in Corona (located here: maps.app.goo.gl/wuyrygzibHSq...). The Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural was restored in 2022-2023: youtu.be/QgfKdcNYKAc?... #America250 #America200 #4thofJuly

One in seven American residents is an immigrant. The remaining six in seven should remember through no action of our own, we were born here, and — alongside all who made their difficult way to America—enjoy the blessings of what happened in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. Happy 250 America 🇺🇸

In one of the funniest wrong calls of history, John Adams predicted 250 years ago that July 2 would be celebrated as "the most memorable epocha in the history of America." He was excited by a short resolution, now totally forgotten, approved by the Continental Congress on July 2.

US editions of the Book of Common Prayer have an Independence Day prayer. The 1662 BCP: International Edition is meant for use around the world, so it has a prayer for a national day of commemoration that can be used anywhere (it's a gem from Ghana BCP 1960). Here's a comparison:

Quote from @timothysnyder.bsky.social Celebrate #America250 by aiming for something radically better.

Wow! What a "birthday present." Listen to Rep. Jared Huffman run through what's known about Freedom 250 and the tricks used to starve America 250 (the official anniversary planners). youtu.be/WHvRA1W54LY?...

"...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." 12/12 #America250

It's confirmed: solar material released during Tuesday's powerful X1.1 #solarflare is on its way to Earth. That could provide some #auroras to go with any early Independence Day fireworks! Read today's #sun news at: buff.ly/QjWnbk2 📸 NOAA/ GOES.

Hey all! Happy #IndependenceDay weekend! Celebrate despite the orange stain in office! A 'Best of' show for you today, which includes an interview with @propublica.org's #AndyMannix! 3-5 PM on @am950radio.bsky.social 9 PM on @wcpt820am.bsky.social And 5 PM and late nights on KKNW in Seattle!

Even though we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the United States of America became independent 250 years ago today, on July 2nd. That was the day the Continental Congress officially voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Happy independence day!

America 250, what is that, the, uh...is that the - that's what the temperature is? Out there?