US Celebrates 250 Years, With Politics Mixed In

Washington, DC, USA —(Map)

This year, America is celebrating 250 years since it declared independence from Great Britain. There are two different groups planning events around the country for the Fourth of July. This has caused confusion, and concern over whether the celebrations are about history or politics.

In 2016, the US Congress set up a group called America250 to help plan celebrations for this important anniversary. The group, which is non-political, was meant to organize events that would help bring the country together.

But after Donald Trump became president again last year, he created a separate group called Freedom 250. This group, under Mr. Trump’s control, made its own celebration plans.

Last year, Congress set aside $150 million to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Many people were surprised that most of this money went to Freedom 250, instead of America250.

The original group, America250, has helped organize block parties across the country, run a creative student contest, and created a national time capsule with items from each state. It is also organizing a large concert in Los Angeles on July 4.

Mr. Trump’s Freedom 250 group has sent six small museums it calls “Freedom Trucks” around the country. Some people believe these museums don’t accurately show some parts of American history, like slavery or the treatment of Native Americans.

The Great American State Fair is one of Freedom 250’s biggest events. The fair will take place on the National Mall through July 10. It is supposed to show the “best of America” with displays and performances from all 50 states and US territories.

But many people have been upset with the way these celebrations are being handled. They say the events are being used to promote Mr. Trump and Republican ideas.

The Great American State Fair (above) is one of Freedom 250’s biggest events. The fair will take place on the National Mall through July 10. It is supposed to show the “best of America”. But many people say the events are being used to promote Mr. Trump and Republican ideas.

Several famous musicians were invited to perform at the state fair. But after the musicians learned that the fair was closely connected to Mr. Trump, most of them decided not to perform. Instead, Mr. Trump opened the event himself with a political rally.

Many states have chosen not to take part in the state fair event. Some said it could cost too much. Others felt the event was too connected to Mr. Trump.

On July 4th, Freedom 250 is planning a huge fireworks show on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The fireworks will start much later than usual so that Mr. Trump can speak. He is calling the event a “TRUMP RALLY”. It’s highly unusual for a July 4 event to focus on a politician or a political party instead of celebrating the country.

Several famous musicians decided not to perform at the state fair after they learned that it was closely connected with Mr. Trump. Instead, Mr. Trump opened the event himself with a political rally (above). It’s highly unusual for a July 4 event to focus on a politician instead of America.

The celebration on the National Mall will also include flying military planes and music by military bands. In an effort to set a new record, the fireworks display will last twice as long as usual, and will include 850,000 fireworks. Normally, the National Mall’s July 4 fireworks shows have about 20,000 fireworks.

Despite the politics and confusion, the 250th anniversary is a big deal for America. It’s a chance for the country to look back at its history, and celebrate all that it has achieved since declaring independence on July 4, 1776.