250 Countdown

This weekend marks the countdown for America’s semi-quincentennial that will be celebrated across the United States on July 4, 2026. This seven-syllable tongue twister and one of the most obscure words in the English language means “half of five hundred.” 2026 will mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia.

Those 56 intrepid men who signed put their very lives, honor and fortunes on the line. There was no auto-quill to accommodate their signatures. When John Hancock was asked why he signed his name so large, he famously responded, “I wanted to be sure King George could see it even if he couldn’t find his glasses.”