America's role in world affairs and its special relationships with allies and partners were on full display Saturday as world leaders offered congratulations and praise while the U.S.celebrated its 250th birthday."This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere," The United Kingdom's King Charles III wrote in a statement .
"It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two and a half centuries, and to honour all that has been achieved since 1776."MILITARY ALLIES, HISTORIC TALL SHIPS CONVERGE ON NEW JERSEY SHORES TO LAUNCH AMERICA 250 CELEBRATIONSCharles' "You'd be speaking French joke" quickly went viral.(Samir Hussein/WireImage)Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence."In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people," Leo wrote in a statement.Pope Leo XIV arrives for the canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St.
Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, Sept.7, 2025.
(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)In France, authorities illuminated the Eiffel Tower in red, white and blue in what Paris described as a "heartfelt tribute to America's 250th anniversary" and "a powerful reminder that the friendship between our two nations dates back to the 18th century."German Chancellor Frederik Merz emphasized that the United States was "founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility."Germany and the USA have always enjoyed a close friendship.Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable," he wrote on X.AS AMERICA TURNS 250, A RARE 1790 EXCHANGE BETWEEN WASHINGTON A...