In the United States, today is Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July. It marks the anniversary of U.S. Independence on July 4, 1776, meaning that the country is 249 years old today. The mathematically inclined will note that next year, it will be 250 years, which is a nice round number.

Indeed, July 4, 2026 will be the United States Semiquincentennial, a word so unfamiliar that my spell checker warns me that it might not really be a word.  The last round number was the Bicentennial in 1976.

I was grappling with what to write, looking back at 1976 and looking forward to 2026.  Fortunately, someone else summed it up perfectly, and I encourage you to read what JenX67 has to say about both events at her blog.  In addition to her commentary, it includes photos that will bring back memories from anyone who was around in 1976.  She also points out that the name “semiquincentennial” probably won’t catch on, as it “sounds like something you need antibiotics for, not balloons.”  “America250” has a better ring to it, and we note that it probably deserves a hashtag:  #America250

Of course, hams will also remember bicentennial call signs used during the entire bicentennial year.

How do you plan to celebrate the Semiquincentennial, er I mean #America250?