America250 versus Freedom250: What to know about the US semiquincentennial

Washington, DC – There are fisticuffs on the White House lawn, soon to be followed by a high-speed race through the National Mall. What is going on in Washington, DC?

The United States capital has been transformed in honour of the country’s 250th anniversary.

Events all around the country are planned to mark two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The nationwide bash has been dubbed the “semiquincentennial” — meaning half of 500 — and not just because Congress loves long words. The US has a history of throwing itself a party every 50 years.

But US President Donald Trump has promised a particularly noteworthy event this year, though the proceedings have been marred by a cavalcade of controversies.

The first 50-year anniversary, in 1826, was a considerably more muted affair than the festivities to come.

At the time, some of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence were still alive, so the mayor of Washington, DC, invited them to attend the celebration in the capital.

Former Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both demurred, citing their failing health. They died within hours of each other on the day of the semicentennial.