Celebrating 249 Years of American Independence: A Look Back and Ahead This Fourth of July!

Reflecting on Progress Since 1776 and the Future of the American Dream

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Tomorrow, the United States commemorates 249 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. While Founding Father John Adams originally believed the celebration would fall on July 2—the day Congress voted to sever ties with Great Britain—July 4th has become firmly etched in American tradition, marked by fireworks, barbecues, parades, and uniquely local celebrations across the nation.

🇺🇸 From 13 Colonies to a Global Power

The nation has grown immensely since its founding, evolving from 13 colonies with 2.5 million residents to a thriving union of 50 states and 14 territories, now home to over 342 million people. Today, the United States is connected by:

• 🚉 140,000 miles of train tracks

• ✈️ Over 5,000 airports

• 🚗 4 million miles of roads

• ⚡ 5.5 million miles of power lines

📈 A Century of Innovation, Health & Progress

Over the last two and a half centuries, America has led the way in scientific discovery, health advancements, and innovation. Consider these milestones:

• 💡 Invented the light bulb, air conditioning, and modern flight

• 🌐 Developed the internet and helped revolutionize global communication

• 🧬 Pioneered gene editing therapies and reduced child mortality to under 1%

• 🚀 Sent over 300 citizen astronauts to space — more than any other nation

• 🛰️ Captured groundbreaking images of the universe via the James Webb Space Telescope

• 👶 Recently, an American infant was successfully treated using novel gene-editing technology — a first in medical science

🎆 Independence Day Today

While we still celebrate with fireworks, cookouts, patriotic music, and red-white-and-blue everything, the Fourth of July is more than a holiday — it’s a moment for reflection. It invites us to honor our history, recognize our progress, and look forward to the next 249 years of American innovation and resilience.

🔭 America’s Story is Still Being Written

From increasing life expectancy by 30 years to building a nearly $30 trillion economy, the U.S. has overcome challenges and embraced opportunities with relentless optimism. And the journey is far from over.

As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, this year’s Fourth of July is a powerful reminder that the American experiment continues — guided by principles of liberty, opportunity, and progress for all.

🗽Happy Independence Day, America! Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come—and keep striving for a future that honors our founding ideals.