Stephen Saji, from Zimbabwe, listens as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers keynote remarks to new citizens on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.
This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump’s polices, and in places like Southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were canceled.
But beyond the festivities and protests lies a moment in history: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies’ break from British rule.
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during Fourth of July festivities at the National Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump bangs a gavel after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
A child looks on at a display of flags significant to American history during a Independence Day observation at Locust Grove, a National Historic Landmark, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
Participants in an antique car prepare to take part in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
New U.S. citizen Kamilla Giliazova, from Russia, poses for a portrait following the Naturalization Ceremony on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
People stand and take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly)
Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly)
Demonstrators protesting against President Donald Trump and his policies march toward the White House on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
People prepare hot dogs ahead of the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Travelers eat while waiting for a flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Mich., Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Members of the Hinsdale, N.H., Fire Department make fresh fries during the annual fireworks show on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
Johan McDonalds, dressed in an American flag-inspired Fourth of July outfit, watches the baseball game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
Holiday travelers take a break in the terminal at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Members of the Southern California Surf Academy prepare to participate in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive before President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A demonstrator take part in a protest at City Hall against President Donald Trump's policies on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly)
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps stand before performing at Fourth of July festivities at the National Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
An American flag in the shape of the continental United States is displayed on the field before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Fireworks light up the sky above the Brooklyn Bridge during the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show on Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watch a Fourth of July fireworks display from the Truman Balcony of the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Fireworks explode over Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, along the National Mall, during Fourth of July celebrations, in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, center, walk to Marine One after departing Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Friday, July 4, 2025, en route to Bedminster. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
