Rethinking Independence Day: a Call for Unity in Celebration

WHO:

The Nation - Richard Kreitner discusses the political nature of Independence Day celebrations.

Kottke - Contributors include Tressie McMillan Cottom, Jamelle Bouie, M. Gessen, and Lydia Polgreen.

WHAT:

The Nation - The article questions how anniversary events became politically charged.

Kottke - The article prompts readers to reflect on what America is celebrating on its birthday.

WHY:

The Nation - The piece suggests that the celebration of America has become a partisan task, indicating a need for unity in how Independence Day is observed.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 19:38 UTC)

A new article in The Nation by Richard Kreitner explores the political nature of Independence Day celebrations, questioning how these anniversary events have become so charged with partisanship. Meanwhile, Kottke features contributions from Tressie McMillan Cottom, Jamelle Bouie, M. Gessen, and Lydia Polgreen, prompting readers to reflect on what America is truly celebrating on its birthday. The piece suggests that the celebration of America has turned into a partisan task, highlighting a pressing need for unity in how Independence Day is observed.