In the United States, the summertime is the most patriotic time of year. Labor Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day all have the distinction of being summer holidays. Summer is a time for Americans to celebrate our country through entertainment, tradition and remembrance. As we move through the summer of 2026, however, it is important to consider how current events are shaping the American legacy just as much as we appreciate our nation’s history.
There is reason for Americans to be excited this summer, perhaps more so than in years past. The USA is beating expectations in an exceptionally strong World Cup opener, the first to be hosted in North America in 32 years. Domestically, the New York Knicks became NBA Champions for the first time in 53 years. Baseball, America’s “national pastime,” is holding its annual All-Star game only 10 days after Independence Day. And, despite fears about the economy, the USA has continued to attract investment, particularly in the AI and tech sphere.
Yet, for many Americans, patriotism this Fourth of July is much more complicated. Last week, America celebrated Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of slaves in the United States — a grim reminder that although America is the face of freedom worldwide, not all of its citizens have always enjoyed it.
Of course, no list of summer headlines would be complete without the Iran war. President Trump continued his foray into foreign conflicts that began this January in Venezuela by striking Iran in a conflict that has lasted four months and taken the lives of 13 U.S service members.
Combined with controversies surrounding voting rights, immigration, and the largest annual increase in consumer prices in years, America’s 250th anniversary has arrived at a moment where the country is asking itself hard questions about what, exactly, we should be celebrating.
I don’t have an answer for whether America should be celebrating or mourning this year’s events. I do know, however, that here in Tuscaloosa, there’s plenty for us to commemorate.
On June 11, 1963, Governor George Wallace physically stopped the first two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from entering the University of Alabama. It was a historic moment — immortalized as the “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” — which served as a catalyst for the later Civil Rights Act, and represents the moment that the University of Alabama became a place of learning for everyone, rather than a select few.
Indeed, American history is not far fromany Tuscaloosa resident who looks for it. The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail is only a few minutes from campus, where you can relive part of the fight for freedom that happened more recently — and more locally — than you might expect.
So if celebrations about summer sports aren’t doing it for you this Fourth of July, or you find yourself unimpressed by America’s current state at home or on the international stage, consider taking time to remember that struggle for freedom — or even take a walk through the trail yourself.
Tuscaloosa’s own history shows us that the United States promise of freedom was not immediate but built, slowly and painfully, by those who were willing to fight for it. For anyone looking for something to celebrate for America’s 250th birthday, perhaps that is the kind of patriotism worth holding onto.
