As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, communities, organizations, and citizens across the nation are reflecting on the ideals that have shaped our country for two and a half centuries. At Bearing Tree, we are proud to join this historic milestone by honoring the spirit of freedom, innovation, service, and opportunity that defines the American story.

As we begin this journey toward America's 250th anniversary, we invite you to join us in reflecting on where we've been, celebrating where we are today, and imagining what we can achieve together in the years ahead.

Bearing Tree

The Bearing Tree team is especially grateful for the partners who help make our work meaningful every day. Strong partnerships are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to strengthening communities and creating positive impact. Their trust, dedication, and shared vision inspire us to continually grow and serve with excellence. This historic anniversary provides a special opportunity to recognize and thank our partners for their support, collaboration, and the lasting relationships we have built together. 

I'll be taking a three-day road trip across our beautiful country to spend time with family. The journey will include three adults, a one-year old, and two dogs - so it promises to be an adventure! I'm looking forward to experiencing the freedom of the open road, seeing more of the country that generations of Americans have helped build, and creating memories with the people I love most.- Samantha Wright

Many families use Thanksgiving or Christmas as their annual all-family get-together. Over ten years ago, I began the family tradition of celebrating Independence Day with the entire family. Since then, my kids have dispersed across the country with families of their own, but almost always come home for the Independence Day holiday. We always do a large fireworks display, kicked off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence (slightly modified with my updated grievances with the crown). There's all-American BBQ, boating, and beach time; all in Michigan's prime season. This year, we will double down with fireworks rivaling a municipality, more friends, and more fun. And remember, it's not just the 4th of July, that's just a date; it's Independence Day!- Eric Tubbs

I'll be celebrating America's 250th birthday by stationing myself on the Chicago lakefront with a speaker blasting Toby Keith at a volume that technically qualifies as a public disturbance. A brat in one hand, a cold beer in the other, a Come and Take It flag flying overhead, and a deeply personal relationship with the Bill of Rights; all ten of them, but especially number two. Any British tourists will be tarred and feathered on sight unless they offer unconditional surrender and formally renounce the metric system. Kilometers are a war crime, and I will not be negotiating on this point. USA USA USA🦅- Bobby Fortune

This Fourth of July, we look forward to gathering with family and friends to celebrate the freedoms and opportunities that make our nation so special. Around the grill and dinner table, we'll enjoy good food, meaningful conversations, and the company of those we cherish most. As the sun sets and fireworks light up the sky from our backyard, we'll reflect on the values of liberty, unity, and gratitude that have shaped our country for generations. It's a wonderful reminder that some of life's greatest blessings are faith, family, friendship, and the freedom to share them together.- Sarah Dame

This 4th of July, our family isn't just watching fireworks — we're watching them EXPLODE over Cinderella's Castle at the most magical place on earth: Disney World! 🏰🎇 Dreams, pixie dust, and a sky full of color — independence has never looked this incredible!- Jackie Case

I’ll be spending the holiday weekend in Door County, Wisconsin, with my family, enjoying the simple freedoms of grilled food, fresh air, and time with my family. We’ll also be taking part in some Door County traditions, including a patriotic pancake breakfast hosted by the camp I grew up attending, spending the evening on the water watching the Door County boat regatta, and taking in the bluff-shaking fireworks over the bay!- Danielle Frisque

To celebrate 250 years of freedom, I plan to do my patriotic duty: spend the day on a boat, eat an irresponsible number of hot dogs, drink a few ice-cold seltzers, and blast Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue on repeat. I’ll be soaking up the sun, enjoying the lake with family and friends, and appreciating the fact that we live in a country where this is considered a perfectly acceptable way to spend a holiday. God bless America🇺🇸🦅- Sandy Florczyk

On the 4th, I will be celebrating independence and two littles 1st birthday. It is red white and blue themed and I'm making the smash cakes for Frankie and Jack.- Tina Maue and Sam Szparkowski

My 250th celebration: marching in a parade in the blazing heat, surrounded by 10-year-olds and a symphony of band instruments… then tackling a DIY deck project that will make me question all my life choices.- Mandy Allen

 For July 4th, I’ll be celebrating Independence Day by spending time with friends and family, enjoying good food, and taking part in the holiday festivities. One of the things I’m most looking forward to is setting off fireworks and watching the sky light up in celebration of our country’s independence. Later in the evening, I also plan to watch the fireworks show that our town puts on, which is always a fun way to end the day and come together with the community!- Julio Vargas

I'll be BBQing with friends!- Layton Hopkins

To celebrate the Fourth of July this year I will spending the weekend at my lake house with family and friends. Most of my time will be spent on the boat, soaking up the sun!- Lauren McDonald

I am celebrating in the timeless beauty of Western Michigan. Surrounded by landscapes that have witnessed centuries of American growth and innovation, I will spend the holiday enjoying spectacular fireworks, gathering with family and friends along the lake, and building bonfires beneath summer sunsets. As dusk settles, we will light fireworks in tribute to our nation's enduring spirit. It is a meaningful way to honor both America's remarkable journey and Michigan's rich history as a gateway to exploration, industry, and the Great Lakes tradition. - Ava Kellogg

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