What we do on Fourth of July

By Alex P. Vidal

“What makes our revolution unique and so exciting, then, is that it changed the very concept of government. Here was a new nation telling the world that it was conceived in liberty; that all men are created equal with God-given rights, and that power ultimately resides in ‘We the people.’” — Ronald Reagan’s message on the observance of Independence Day, 1981

EVERYONE aspiring to become a U.S. citizen will be asked in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services civics test and interview during the naturalization process: What is the birthday of the United States?

Or, when do we celebrate Independence Day?

The answer is the Fourth of July, or July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the original 13 colonies free from British rule.

July 4, 2026, marks the American nation’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday.

For many Filipino Americans, the Fourth of July also serves as a poignant reminder of Philippine-American history.

Because the United States granted the Philippines its independence on July 4, 1946, many of us here use the holiday to reflect on our dual heritage and deep historical ties with Americans.

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We share the historic milestone that honors the United States’ founding principles of liberty and self-government while also reflecting on how those ideals have evolved over two and a half centuries.

Through exhibitions, public programs, and community initiatives across the country, the semiquincentennial will serve as both a celebration of American history and an invitation to consider the nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect union.

Like other Americans, we typically celebrate the Fourth of July by watching fireworks, enjoying days off, and gathering for BBQs.

Some of us uniquely weave in our rich cultural traditions and history, blending standard American festivities with classic Filipino “fiesta” elements and a reflection on the historic ties between the two nations.

The Fourth of July holds dual significance for many in the Filipino diaspora.

The United States officially granted us independence on July 4, 1946, following the end of World War II.

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While we now celebrate our official Independence Day on June 12, the date it declared independence from Spain, the Fourth of July is still widely recognized in the community and historically observed in the Philippines as Philippine-American Friendship Day.

Families use the day to reflect on shared history, military alliances, and journeys of migration.

Meanwhile, celebrations in Filipino communities are loud, lively, and joyful.

They often feature large extended families, karaoke, or videoke, sessions that last well into the night, and music.

It’s usually a time for community gatherings and bonding, where generations of immigrants and Filipino Americans, or Fil-Ams, connect over shared heritage.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines. — Ed.)