Holiday travelers take a break in the terminal at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) 
Travelers eat while waiting for a flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Mich., Thursday, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) 
Members of the Hinsdale, N.H., Fire Department make fresh fries during the annual fireworks show on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP) 
People prepare hot dogs ahead of the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) 
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during Fourth of July festivities at the National Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) 
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps stand before performing at Fourth of July festivities at the National Archives, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) 
An American flag in the shape of the continental United States is displayed on the field before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) 
People stand and take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance on Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) 
Stephen Saji, from Zimbabwe, listens as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers keynote remarks to new citizens on Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) 
New U.S. citizen Kamilla Giliazova, from Russia, poses for a portrait following the Naturalization Ceremony on Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) 
A demonstrator take part in a protest at City Hall against President Donald Trump’s policies on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly) 
A child looks on at a display of flags significant to American history during a Independence Day observation at Locust Grove, a National Historic Landmark, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) 
Members of the Southern California Surf Academy prepare to participate in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) 
Participants in an antique car prepare to take part in the Independence Day Parade in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) 
Johan McDonalds, dressed in an American flag-inspired Fourth of July outfit, watches the baseball game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, Friday, July 4, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) 
Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly) 
Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jill Connelly) 
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive before President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn at the White House, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) 
Demonstrators protesting against President Donald Trump and his policies march toward the White House on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) 
President Donald Trump bangs a gavel after signing his signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.
This Independence Day may feel different for many Americans. Around the country, there are protests planned against Trump’s polices, and in places like Southern California, where immigration raids have rattled communities, some July Fourth celebrations were canceled.
But beyond the festivities and protests lies a moment in history: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies’ break from British rule.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.