US celebrates 250th birthday as heatwave and political tensions loom

Summary

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 250th anniversary of American independence is colliding with a country gripped by political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on millions of people across multiple states as celebrations got underway Saturday throughout the United States. The signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of history's most celebrated articulations of democratic ambitions, is being marked in myriad ways. President Donald Trump plans to speak on the National Mall before what is being billed as a historically enormous fireworks show that will rain down over the nation's capital. He was in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore on Friday, where he delivered a dark speech about the threat of communism in the U.S. The 250th anniversary of American independence is marked by various celebrations, including fireworks shows, parades, and events reflecting on the nation's history, despite challenges due to extreme heat and political tensions. Many Independence Day celebrations are facing cancellations due to an extreme heat wave affecting large portions of the U.S., with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in many areas. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses, exhaustion, and potentially fatal conditions, prompting officials to cancel or modify outdoor events. In Philadelphia, fireworks began to crack as early as midday in the birthplace of the nation near the site where the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress. The celebrations are unfolding against the backdrop of a deep divide this election year that has been expanding for years, visible in everything from political expression to cultural norms to age-old questions over race, class and immigration. "They will tell you that America is just another country, where the weak struggle against the strong,” Vance said speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor. (Associated Press writers Luis Andres Henao in Philadelphia, Kristie Rieken in Houston, Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Va., Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, S.C., Safiyah Riddle in Los Angeles and Jesse Bedayn, Will Weissert and Michael Kunzelman contributed to this report.) Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World and US news.