America 250 around the world

Published July 4, 2026 3:28pm ET



As the United States marks its 250th birthday, governments, world leaders, and American diplomatic missions around the globe joined in celebrating the milestone with congratulatory messages, illuminated landmarks, and tributes to the country’s founding.

In France, the Eiffel Tower displayed “USA 250” in lights, while Sri Lanka illuminated Colombo’s Lotus Tower and encouraged residents to share photos of the display. In Japan, the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo glowed red, white, and blue during a Fourth of July reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, was similarly lit in the colors of the American flag, and the Bahamas illuminated parts of Nassau’s harbor and skyline in red, white, and blue.

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