Philadelphia's Independence Hall, where 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, should be a symbol of unity.
Instead, the semiquincentennial has become another source of division.
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Park ranger Maggie Burkett called the signers "brave" and "heroes" for risking their lives. Yet the anniversary has been co-opted by President Donald Trump's partisan pageantry.
A Joyless Celebration
Trump's Freedom 250 initiative has sidelined the official bipartisan America250 commission.
Events include a 16-day Great American State Fair on the National Mall, described by the Washingtonian as "sparsely attended and shockingly boring."
A $14.7 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool turned green with algae days after completion.
Trump blamed vandals and threatened jail time.
In June, Trump hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship matches at the White House.
Last week, a kickoff event for the state fair featured military jets and a rally atmosphere, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attacking "libtards."
No Democrats participated. The event ended with Trump's "Make America great again" chant and a Marine Band performance of YMCA.
Meanwhile, America250's modest plans include a time capsule, an essay contest, and a July 4 concert with Queen Latifah and Chris Stapleton.
Historical Echoes and Concerns
Historians draw contrasts with the 1976 bicentennial, which featured a multinational tall ship parade and the opening of the National Air and Space Museum.
President Gerald Ford did not make it about himself.
