America's milestone anniversaries have given generations of Americans an opportunity to reflect on the nation's history, values and progress.From the Centennial in 1876 to the Bicentennial in 1976, celebrations have had parades, fireworks, historical reenactments, speeches and other patriotic traditions honoring the Declaration of Independence and the nation's founding in 1776.As Americans celebrated the country's 250th anniversary on July 4, those traditions carried into the semiquincentennial with the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, President Donald Trump's address marking the occasion, military flyovers, performances by the U.S.Army Band and a Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks display with more than 850,000 fireworks.Fox News Digital looks back at the nation's biggest birthday celebrations.TRUMP SET TO DELIVER 'HISTORIC' SPEECH CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARYFireworks from the Freedom 250 Salute to America Independence Day celebration go off after delays due to a thunderstorm on July 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
(Kevin Carter/Getty Images)The nation's first major milestone came in 1826, marking 50 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted.Communities across the country organized celebrations and leaders in Washington, D.C., invited former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the last surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, to attend, but both declined due to poor health, according to the National Archives Foundation.However, history took an extraordinary turn when Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, just hours apart.Many Americans saw Jefferson and Adams' deaths as a remarkable coincidence that added to the symbolism of Independence Day.
A memorial service honoring Jefferson and Adams was held in Washington, D.C., while dinners, patriotic events and other commemorations helped establish the tradition of celebrating America's birthday.Illustration of four of the United States Founding ...