Beyond Fireworks: How Americans Will Mark 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, 66% of U.S. adults say they plan to celebrate the event in some way, including gatherings with family, friends, neighbors and broader communities, according to a new survey conducted May 12-22, 2026, by With Honor and Gallup, in collaboration with America250.

Celebrations Rooted in Social Connection Most Common

Of the plans Americans have to mark the occasion, many involve celebrating with others, including spending time with family and friends (66%), participating in a neighborhood or community event (32%) or attending an official America 250 program (17%). Meanwhile, 44% say they intend to follow anniversary coverage on television or social media.

Majorities of Americans across all key demographic groups say they plan to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, though levels of engagement vary.

The largest differences are seen by age and political affiliation:

• 84% of adults aged 65 and older report plans to celebrate, compared with 66% of those aged 40 to 64 and 54% of those aged 18 to 39.
• Similarly, 88% of Republicans say they intend to mark the anniversary, versus 60% of independents and 54% of Democrats.

Although military veterans are more likely than nonveterans to report plans to celebrate (78% vs. 64%, respectively), this difference is explained largely by their age and partisan composition, and it disappears after accounting for these factors.

Recognition of 250th Anniversary Includes Service, Learning, Storytelling

In addition to asking about Americans’ general plans for celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, the survey also examined whether U.S. adults intend to recognize the milestone through various civic or educational activities.

Among the 51% of Americans who say they plan to recognize the milestone in this way, the most commonly planned activities include learning more about American history (55%) and listening to the personal stories or perspectives of other Americans (45%). Smaller shares say they plan to travel within the United States (37%), engage in community service or charitable activities (34%), or attend events focused on American culture or the arts (31%).

Across age and political groups, planned activities involving these forms of recognition are generally consistent, with only a few notable differences. Older adults, especially those 65 and older, are more likely than younger adults (18-39) to report plans to learn about U.S. history, whereas younger adults are more likely to say they plan to learn more about the government, to travel or to meet new people. Meanwhile, Republicans (38%) are more likely than Democrats (29%) and independents (27%) to report plans to attend cultural events, while Democrats (40%) are more likely than Republicans (31%) and independents (32%) to report plans to engage in community service or volunteer work.

Reflecting on 250 Years, Freedom and Diversity Are Top Sources of Pride

The survey asked Americans to reflect on the past 250 years and indicate what made them most proud of the United States. From a list of 10 possible sources of pride, the most frequently chosen are the freedoms Americans have (35%) and the country’s diversity (28%), followed by opportunities for people to work hard and improve their circumstances (24%).

About one in five Americans also point to the resilience of the American people through hardship (19%) and the ability to come together in times of crisis (18%) as sources of pride. Only 4% could not point to a source of pride.

Sources of pride vary across age groups. Older adults are more likely than younger Americans to cite the nation’s freedoms, with 45% of those aged 65 and older selecting this as a top source of pride, compared with 36% of those aged 40 to 64 and 29% of those 18 to 39. Similarly, adults 40 and older are more likely than younger adults to point to opportunities for people to work hard and improve their circumstances.

In contrast, younger adults are more likely to highlight diversity, with 34% of those aged 18 to 39 selecting this option, compared with 27% of those 40 to 64 and 22% of those 65 and older. Young adults are also the most likely to cite innovation and progress as a source of pride.

Regardless of political party, most Americans see sources of pride in the past 250 years. However, Republicans and Democrats do differ on which sources of pride they emphasize: Republicans are more likely to focus on the freedoms and opportunities Americans have, with Democrats more likely to focus on the diversity of the American people as a key source of pride.

Standing Up For Beliefs Makes People Optimistic About Future

Overall, 88% Americans identify at least one reason for optimism about the nation’s future. People’s willingness to stand up for what they believe is right (26%), the freedoms Americans enjoy (20%) and the diversity of the American people (19%) are most often chosen as a top reason for being optimistic about the country’s future.

Age and political differences also shape what Americans see as sources of optimism for the future. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to emphasize freedoms (28% of those 65+ vs. 14% of those 18-39) and core values and traditions (23% vs. 10%, respectively), while younger generations more often point to diversity (23% of those 18-39 vs. 15% for those 65+).

Democrats and Republicans show more similarities than differences in their sources of optimism. However, Democrats are more likely to select people’s willingness to stand up for what they believe is right, the next generation and diversity as sources of optimism compared with Republicans. Republicans, in contrast, more often emphasize Americans’ freedoms, the nation’s role as a global leader and its core values and traditions. Independents generally fall in between the two partisan groups on these measures.

Bottom Line

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the story that emerges is less about division and more about connection. Across generations and political perspectives, a majority of Americans are finding ways to mark the occasion and connect, whether through family gatherings, community events, volunteer service or shared stories.

While intentions to participate are widespread, they are not uniform: Individuals are choosing what feels most meaningful, with some opting for travel or learning alongside more traditional forms of celebration.

Despite differences in how Americans plan to engage, a common thread runs through their responses: At this milestone moment, Americans are not only reflecting on 250 years of freedom, progress and resilience, but also looking ahead with a shared belief in the country’s people and promise.

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