Daily Caller News Foundation
Exposing The Truth One Story At A Time

Foreign Affairs

America’s 250th Birthday Goes Global As Allies Literally Project US Influence Across Landmarks

America’s 250th Birthday Goes Global As Allies Literally Project US Influence Across Landmarks

Photo by Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz

Thomas Wong
July 5, 2026 11:22 PM ET

As the United States celebrated 250 years of American independence Saturday, many of its allies and partners recognized the major milestone with congratulatory messages, cultural displays, and reflections on their relationships with the superpower.

France, the U.S.’s first and oldest ally, lit up the Eiffel Tower the evening of July 3 to display a “USA 250” message in red, white, and blue while the rest of the iconic Paris monument retained its familiar golden glow.

The Palace of Versailles near Paris was likewise the setting of a patriotic fireworks and drone display.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, the nation’s aerobatic Patrouille de France had flown over the Statue of Liberty — an 1884 gift from France — as the Air and Space jets released red, white, and blue smoke during their June 9 manuevers, which also extended over Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. The Statue of Liberty was illuminated in a patriotic display Saturday night.

The “Liberté 250” mission continued its U.S. tour with a June 22 ceremonial flyover over the National Mall, Mount Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery — where French service members visited to honor the sacrifices of American military; it returned to both D.C. and New York for July 4 demonstrations.

Across the English Channel, what was once a determined foe renewed its status as America’s closest ally when the United Kingdom’s monarch issued a congratulatory message to President Donald Trump.

“The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen,” King Charles III wrote in part, having made a state visit to the U.S. at the end of April. “Across defence and security, trade and investment, science, research, education, culture and the arts, the ties between the United Kingdom and the United States are unique and far-reaching. Together, we face the challenges of today, and the opportunities of tomorrow. As I said in my address to the joint Houses of Congress, our shared roots run deep, and they are still vital.”

“The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time,” he concludes. “As you mark this momentous occasion, my wife and I send our warmest good wishes to you and to the people of the United States of America, today and in the years ahead.”

In Washington, members of the His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band performed Tuesday as part of the Great American State Fair.

British Ambassador to the United States Christian Turner hosted a Thursday celebration at his official residence honoring the anniversary of a U.S. economic partnership deal as well as its birthday.

He went on to participate in Independence Day observances in Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed July 4, 1776.

In addition, the Royal Air Force Acrobatic Team, the Red Arrows, took to the skies Saturday over New York and the Hudson River, joining an international flypast.

Closer to home, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force executed a ceremonial flypast Saturday over the capital city of Ottawa featuring two Canadian CF-18 Hornets alongside two U.S. F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. In addition, Niagara Falls was illuminated in red, white and blue, while a gift of 250 maple trees will be planted in Washington, D.C. and the 13 states bordering Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shared a message quoting President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936: “The noblest monument to peace and to neighbourly economic and social friendship in all the world is not a monument in bronze or stone, but the boundary which unites the United States and Canada.”

“Canadians and Americans have built our friendship and prosperity one generation at a time,” he continued. “Together, we have stood in the face of tragedy, from American firefighters helping to combat the flames in Fort McMurray, to Canadians opening their homes to stranded American passengers after 9/11. Together, we have built more opportunity and prosperity for our workers than we ever could have apart. Together, we have raised a monument to peace that is an inspiration to the entire world.”

France, the U.K., and Canada also participated in a July 4 international naval review off the coast of New York, joining warships from over 130 invited foreign navies and coast guards. Hosted by the U.S. Navy, more than 50 American vessels and led the seventh such showcasing of global maritime cooperation, which included military exercises.

Japan’s Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Aqua Symphony were bathed in red, white, and blue light ahead of the anniversary. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo also organized a drone show styling the faces of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Trump.

Acknowledging an earlier gifting of 250 Japanese cherry trees and the use of Japsnese fireworks in American celebrations, Takaichi also posted congratulations to X stating the two countries would continue their partnership and strengthen bonds.

In Germany, another former foe-turned-ally, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate was awash in red, white, and blue in recognition of America’s role in securing freedom for the united capital city following World War II.

Israel likewise illuminated its parliament building, the Knesset, in addition to the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Chords Bridge.

Israeli President Isaac Herz also visited the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to convey both his congratulations and a letter for Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video to X in which he noted “freedom is never cheap. It must be continually purchased. It must be continually defended,” and that, “when America and Israel stand together, freedom stands stronger.”

Landmarks in South Korea’s capital of Seoul were similarly illuminated after coordination by the American embassy.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recalled the sacrifice of American service members during the 1950-53 in a Sunday message posted to X.

“We will never forget their noble dedication and will continue to strengthen the ironclad ROK [Repubkic of Korea]–U.S. alliance,” a translation reads. “Once again, congratulations on the 250th anniversary of Independence, and I sincerely hope that God’s blessings and peace will be with all the people of the United States.”

In Rome, the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, visited the official residence of U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch for dinner. Burch, the father of nine, presented his credentials to the supreme pontiff in September 2025, just over four months since the then-Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American to assume the throne of Saint Peter.

In addition to an exchange of gifts including a U.S. World Cup jersey, a commemorative Freedom 250 baseball, and a homemade apple pie, Burch and the Holy Father “discussed President Trump‘s bold leadership and American efforts to pursue peace, religious freedom, and the need for moral clarity and courage around the world,” according to a series of posts to X by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

“I am deeply honored to celebrate this special day with a fellow American and the Bishop of Rome,” Burch wrote.

The pope participated in a Friday award ceremony as the National Constitution Center’s 2026 Liberty Medal recipient “for his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world—ideals enshrined by America’s founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” At the same time, a letter by the pope addressed to the American people celebrated the “extraordinary national anniversary.”

“May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy,” Leo wrote June 25. “May Americans honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences and working together toward a more perfect union.”

Numerous other world leaders issued congratulatory messages while local Independence Day festivities were kept within the grounds of American embassies.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on July 4 observed, “Today marks 250 years of the independence of the United States. We send congratulations to their people and their government. And we also recall that all nations have the right to be free and independent,” according to La Jornada, a Mexican daily newspaper.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a message he addressed to Trump before their scheduled phone call, wishing him and his loved ones “health, well-being and every success,” and, to all American citizens, “happiness and prosperity.”

“Over the course of two and a half centuries, many significant pages have been written in the history of relations between our nations,” Putin’s message reads in part. “We fought as allies in two world wars, together liberating humanity from the horrors of Nazism, and subsequently played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of the contemporary world order. Today, Russia and the United States as the world’s two largest nuclear powers bear a special responsibility for maintaining international security and stability.”

“I am confident that the establishment of constructive, equitable and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington serves the interests not only of our peoples but also of the entire international community,” he added.

Before calling Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy likened his country’s struggle against Russian aggression to the American endeavors to establish and defend its own independence.

“Now, in the 21st century, America’s influence and importance are certainly no less,” he wrote. “And we see that particularly clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and our people’s right to happiness with much the same hope, the same purpose, and the same determination with which Americans won and defended their own independence.”

“May the dreams of free people always triumph over the evil and hatred of those who seek to destroy freedom,” he concluded. “America, thank you! I am confident that if we’re in it together, we’ll definitely achieve peace! Congratulations on your Independence Day!”

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].