PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Philadelphians and residents of the nearby suburb of Glenside gathered on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s 249th birthday. From the city’s historic streets to charming sidewalks lined with flags, the day brought together families, first responders, and community groups with the kind of patriotic enthusiasm only the birthplace of liberty can inspire.
The day, which was packed with parades, music, performances, and festivities, drew some first-timers as well as lifelong participants to the parade tradition of over 100 years. From drum lines and dancers to community organizations and elected officials, the celebrations were a vibrant tapestry of American identity — and a reminder that the promise of freedom is still very much alive.
“It’s a beautiful day, wonderful weather, and the Fourth of July, which for me and for this nation, it means everything,” said Pennsylvania State Rep. Napoleon Nelson. “So I’m so happy to be here and so happy to share with the community.”
Freedom and sacrifice
Nelson, who joined Glenside’s long-running parade alongside families, veterans, and volunteers, noted the event’s ability to bring people together. “It’s a wonderful time for everybody to put the news, put family concern… financial concerns aside, and just come together and just celebrate… just really enjoy what is a great day of pageantry, of music, of kind of community organizations showing so much great solidarity.”
The event also drew the attendance of several VIPs, including Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, who was seen greeting residents and shaking hands with veterans along the route.
A spirit of unity
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
That spirit of unity and joy echoed across the region. In Philadelphia, the New York Waist Drum Team dazzled crowds with their golden uniforms and rhythmic performances. For Lin, one of the team members, the significance of the day went far beyond spectacle. “We come here to celebrate Independence Day, and [for us] that means human rights, democracy and freedom.”
As a practitioner of Falun Dafa, Lin emphasized how meaningful it is to be able to celebrate openly in the U.S., a freedom not afforded in mainland China. “Because I came from mainland China and my belief Falun Dafa is persecuted there, and it is still taking place in China. So when I came to America, I [was able to] appreciate the freedom here, because I can freely cultivate Falun Dafa.”
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual discipline rooted in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It also incorporates meditation exercises and moral teachings to elevate the moral standing of practitioners.
Despite being peaceful in nature, the CCP launched a large-scale suppression of the group in 1999 after seeing its popularity, which was estimated at 70 to 100 million practitioners, as a threat to its authoritarian control. The persecution has continued unabated for over two decades.
RELATED: A Path of Freedom: A Shen Yun Dancer’s Journey From Oppression to the World Stage
A melting pot of cultures
Across the city, many residents took note of never taking freedom for granted. “I think that they’re coming here because they know what true oppression is like,” said Glenside business owner Daniel Stark. “They haven’t spoken to people that come from countries that truly oppress their people. Don’t allow them freedom of religion. Don’t allow them freedom of speech, and take away their life and their liberty in a heartbeat if it doesn’t agree with what the government tells them to say.”
For others, July 4 was a chance to reflect on their cultural identity within the American story. “I’m half American, half Filipino, so I can represent both of them at the same time in such a big city like this,” said Maria Bennett, crowned 2025 Miss Valentine for the Filipino American Society of South Jersey.
“I think it brings us all together. You know, our country is a melting pot… the fact that my culture specifically can be represented, and people, even outside of the culture, are waving to me and saying, ‘Hi,’ it’s really beautiful.”
She added, “This is actually my first time ever seeing a Fourth of July parade. I’ve always seen the Thanksgiving ones, but this was great.”
Community, culture, and the meaning of independence
While some attendees were newcomers, others have returned year after year. “I’ve been coming here for 39 years,” said Stark. “Everybody’s waving American flags, and they’re happy to be here. And it’s a melting pot, as it seems to be.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA) was also seen marching in Glenside’s century-old parade tradition while paying tribute to local first responders. “I’m so excited to be in this parade… what they did in February to save lives and to save property, it is nothing short of heroic,” she told NTD.
For Dean, July 4 isn’t just about fireworks and festivities. “It means everything. It’s in our DNA… we should be free, we should be independent, that people should have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, with the greatest freedoms and also a protective rule of law, that we are a nation of immigrants, and we welcome the immigrants.”
Philadelphia’s historic role in that founding spirit was not lost on South Philly resident Holly Keith. “I’m very proud to be a Philadelphian,” she said. “I walk through the neighborhoods, like near Independence Hall, and I walk by and go, that’s where it all started, right here, right near where I live.”
She added, “It just means being free to be who we are in this country and to have that opportunity… a parade like this kind of reminds you what we’re all about, how the country was founded. It’s for everyone.”
A day of patriotism
Also honored at the city’s Celebration of Freedom Ceremony was Bob White, president of the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, recipient of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award. “This award, to our organization, means an awful lot,” said White. “It’s just not the money, it’s the recognition that people see that we’re doing good things for the community.”
For White and his team, July 4 was more than symbolic. “Today is a very special day for our country… here in Philadelphia is where it all started, and we all should be very, very grateful for what those men did and formed this great country.”
Back on the parade route, amid the floats, fire trucks, and flags, it was the community itself that stood as the truest celebration.
“We came last year. We came back this year, so maybe next year too,” said Carrie Squires from New Jersey. “We should be like this all the time. Yeah, it keeps everyone equal. It’s great.”
