Bringing Meaning to the 4th of July
The United States is bound together not by a dominant ethnic identity or religion but by a set of ideas first laid out in the Declaration of Independence. The July 4th holiday is an opportunity for Americans to engage with these ideas—and be reminded of our shared identity in an era of growing division. The July 4th Project was founded to promote such engagement through educational activities on Independence Day.
Remembering What Unites Us
Even as political differences pull us apart, polls show that Americans still share a strong belief in the ideas embodied in our nation’s founding documents—freedom, opportunity, religious liberty, and the rule of law.
July 4th: An Opportunity to Engage
Independence Day should be about more than parades and fireworks. Americans should take time on this day to think about what binds us together as a nation and discuss these ideals with our fellow citizens.
Strengthening a Shared Identity
In the face of growing polarization and national division, injecting more meaning into the July 4 holiday is one small way to help Americans focus on the political tradition and ideals that have historically served to unify our nation.
Project Plans
The July 4th Project is seeking partners for events and activities this year around the U.S. that may include:
Moderated group discussions among participants of different ages about the key ideas in the Declaration of Independence.
Public debates that capture both the historical and contemporary controversies around America’s founding principles.
Fun activities that can engage participants of all ages in meaningful celebrations of July 4th.
This year’s events will lay the groundwork for a larger set of events on July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
