US 250TH ANNIVERSARY (SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL)
Commemorations in 2026 of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, including international tributes and Franco-American symbolism.
4 articles
Canadians share hopes and wishes for America's 250th birthday
BBC WORLDJun 30, 2026, 12:21 PM
The BBC asked Canadians across their country what they would say and give to the United States ahead of its 250th birthday. The piece collects their hopes and wishes for their southern neighbour.
The bitterest anniversary: the American ideal turns 250 amid crisis
EL PAÍSEl aniversario más amargo: el ideal de Estados Unidos cumple 250 años en plena crisis
Jun 28, 2026, 03:30 AM
The United States marks 250 years since its Declaration of Independence on 4 July amid deep crisis. The anniversary comes as the 'No Kings' movement protests Trump's authoritarianism, with the ideals of founding father Thomas Jefferson arriving battered.
Trump's face is added to select US passports for America's 250th birthday
BBC WORLDJun 27, 2026, 08:03 PM
Donald Trump's face is being added to select US passports to mark America's 250th anniversary. The commemorative special-edition passports will be available from 6 July and can only be applied for in person.
France's aerobatic team traces the tricolour flag over the Statue of Liberty
FRANCE 24La Patrouille de France dessine le drapeau tricolore au-dessus de la statue de la Liberté
Jun 9, 2026, 05:43 PM
Eight aircraft of France's Patrouille de France flew over the Statue of Liberty, trailing the French tricolour, to launch the 'Liberté 250' mission. The flypast marks the start of France's contribution to celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, honouring the statue France gifted to the United States in 1886.