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Americans step out for their nation's 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt
By Calvin Woodward, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 5 min read
One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday.“Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete,” Twain...
Key takeaway ”In these rabidly partisan times, those who think President Donald Trump deserves their support and those who don’t are joining in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will likely be marked with a mix of patriotic festivities and reflections on the nation's complexities. As the city's residents celebrate, they will be doing so against the backdrop of their own community's diverse perspectives on American identity. The fact that belief in American exceptionalism has waned, with 44% of Americans viewing the US as just one of the best countries, may resonate with San Antonians who are engaged in their own local discussions about the city's place within the nation. The division at the national level, with two organizations claiming to lead the commemoration, may also be mirrored in local conversations about how to balance pride in American heritage with critiques of its shortcomings. As San Antonio looks to the future, its residents will be considering what it means to be a part of this complex, often divided, nation.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday.“Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete,” Twain...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Calvin Woodward, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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