Military planes perform a flyover of the Hudson River, above the Manhattan skyline, as seen from Weehawken, N.J., Saturday, July 4, 2026.AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Fireworks, heat, hot dogs and politics: America celebrates its 250th birthday

Anticipation for the milestone holiday has been building for much of the year, serving as an opportunity for Americans to reflect on their complicated history.

by · 5 NBCDFW