Enjoy Independence Day … But Don’t Forget What This Holiday Commemorates!

Independence Day, also called Fourth of July, is America’s annual celebration of nationhood. The holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It’s a time to come together as Americans to honor our revolutionary history —  and our military — through parades, concerts filled with patriotic music, and awe-inspiring fireworks.

The holiday has also become a tradition for gathering with family, friends and neighbors to enjoy backyard barbecues and summer celebrations.

Regardless of how you plan to spend the day, we urge our readers to take some time to reflect on the many sacrifices our brave men and women — both those in uniform as well as civilians — have made these past 248 years to keep our nation free.

Here in Irvine, we can be proud of the fact that, after nearly a decade of developer schemes, political battles, and ballot measures, the work of transforming our Great Park’s 125-acre “ARDA” site on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a beautiful Veterans Memorial Park began last year and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.