The Rebirth Of The Declaration Of Independence In 2025: A Prelude To The Historic 250th Celebration In 2026
Signed In 1776 | Defended Successfully In 1814 | Restored In 2025
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. One year from today, we will officially celebrate its 250th anniversary.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring the thirteen American colonies as independent from Great Britain. While the vote for independence was on July 2, the Declaration, detailing the reasons for the separation, was adopted on July 4.
Most sources indicate that the Declaration of Independence was engrossed on parchment and delegates began signing it on or around August 2, 1776. However, the day of July 4th is forever linked to the Declaration of Independence and our nation’s independence.
About 38 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem titled the "Defence of Fort M'Henry." Per AI and other similar “modern” sources, 4 verses of poetry were written by Francis Scott Key on the night of September 13–14, 1814, during the Battle of Baltimore and the extended War of 1812.
The Naval History and Heritage Command website captures the bombardment of Fort McHenry in this photo.
Interestingly, the Naval History and Heritage Command website lists different dates for the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
The bombardment of the city's main defense, Fort McHenry, took place over the night of September 19‑20 and proved unsuccessful. The sight of the American flag still flying over the fort in the morning caused Francis Scott Key to write the poem that eventually became "The Star Spangled Banner."
Which dates are correct? September 13-14 or September 19-20, 1814?
Casually setting aside the inconsistent date records linked to the successful defense of Fort McHenry in 1814, it is probably safe to say that Francis Scott Key was quite inspired to write the poem titled the "Defence of Fort M'Henry." Think about it. He personally witnessed the successful defense of Fort McHenry by American forces against a British naval bombardment. The sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry the next morning moved him to write. His poem, which later became the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner," is the source document for the national anthem of these United States of America.
Here is a collage of other photos that captured “Old Glory” standing tall after the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814.
One might say that the birth of freedom occurred in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the successful defense of that Declaration of Independence occurred in 1814 at Fort McHenry.
The official White House social media page on Twitter/X has been quite busy sharing images of the Declaration of Independence. On 3/1/25, a high quality image file of the Declaration of Independence was shared on Twitter/X with an emphatic statement that the original copy was written in English.
Why is this detail important? Some sources have claimed that the original document was penned in German, and not English. Per Grok and several other similar “modern” AI sources, that does not appear to be true. However, it does appear that German translations did begin to appear nearly simultaneously around 7/8 or 7/9/1776.
Of course, dates matter. On 3/1/25, an executive order was drafted declaring English the official language of the United States. And then again on 3/18/25, the White House Twitter/X page shined the spotlight on the Declaration of Independence.
While the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America declaration remained on display on 3/18/25, the White House Twitter/X page was simultaneously sharing images of the Declaration of Independence being unveiled in the Oval Office.
And then again on 5/5/25, the White House Twitter/X page was back at it, reminding “We The People” that we are a free and independent nation.
As we set our sights on the 250th anniversary celebration of our nation on 7/4/26, one year from today, we encourage you and yours to consider this year’s celebration a quiet prelude. This year’s celebration, albeit it fantastic and exciting, will pale in comparison to next year’s July 4th celebration.
Yes, our 250-year celebration of the Declaration of Independence has officially begun, but our patriotic shouts will ultimately climax a year from today on 7/4/26.
The Declaration of Independence marches on, setting its sights on 250 years.
For this year’s 4th of July celebration, be confident of this.
The relaunching, or restoration, of the Declaration of Independence has officially occurred. The flag has not only been raised at the White House, it is now flying a little higher atop the 88’ poles installed in mid June.
And finally, the poetic words of Francis Scott Key still ring loud and true - “In God Is Our Trust.”
The march towards America 250 starts today. God bless and keep you and yours as you celebrate the 4th of July, both this year and next. Let freedom ring!
