While the Fourth of July is normally a day many spend celebrating the nation’s independence, in 2025 there are large segments of the population who are not in the partying mood. According to the latest YouGov survey, pride in being American has fallen sharply in the past year.
President Donald Trump’s administration has slashed 230,000 federal jobs, unemployment is predicted to be 4.3%, the dollar has had its worst start to a year since 1973, science and social safety net funding have been cut by billions, and a plurality of Americans rated his presidency an F in April.
On Thursday, Republicans in Congress passed Trump’s spending bill, under which millions of vulnerable Americans are slated to lose health care, food assistance, and jobs. Meanwhile, the bill will explode the size of the deficit to record levels and make Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the largest-funded government agency.
For those not feeling especially celebratory, there are actions and events taking place that might help them feel closer to like-minded folks who are doing their best to help their communities work towards the American ideals they’d like to champion. Whether it is sign-waving or marching, registering voters or singing the protests songs your parents remember, or just having coffee and conversation with others who might feel as you do, here are some efforts happening across the region.
Free State Coalition (FSC) has a list of actions taking place on July 4 on their Calendar page linked here. There are other actions that have been added that are not yet on the calendar, so Jessica Davis of FSC sent Baltimore Fishbowl the following list:
July 4th Sign Waves/Overpass and other Actions:
- Let #Freedom Ring Sign Wave (Frederick, Maryland) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. hosted by #Indivisible (RSVP for Location Details – Mobilize Event # 809011)
- Pro-Democracy Rally (Lutherville, Maryland) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at 1501 York Road
- Let Freedom Ring Sign Wave (Reisterstown, Maryland) from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. at Stocksdale Ave & 795 Overpass (new action)
- Celebrate Your Freedom (La Plata, Maryland) from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 200 Charles St hosted by Indivisible/Women’s March
- Rally for Our Country (Baltimore, Maryland) from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Fort McHenry National Monument hosted by Darcy Snelgrave
- Virtual Event: Patriotism is Participation from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. hosted by Indivisible (RSVP for link via Mobilize Event # 808542)
- Democracy 4 All Sign Wave (California, Maryland) from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. at the intersection of MD 4 & MD 235 hosted by Indivisible
- United We Resist from 1.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. hosted by Indivisible (RSVP for location via Mobilize Event # 809643)
- Protest DOGE & Support Federal Workers (Laurel, Maryland) from 4.15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. at Gorman Rd & I-95 Overpass
Events/Hangouts:
- Do & Brew: Coffee & Anti-War Edition from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Red Emma’s in Baltimore City.
In Catonsville, the toy and book store Better World Imaginarium is hosting a Call to Action that begins before the town’s parade (3 p.m.) and continues until the parade is over. Located at 924 Frederick Road, the store will open at 1:30 p.m. and hold a voter registration event inside from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Starting at 2:15 p.m. in front of the store, Buzz Merrick, multi-instrumentalist and singer will lead a sing-along, complete with lyrics sheets for parade-goers and participants to use and take home. Expect the perennial favorites, “This Land is Your Land,” “If I Had a Hammer,” and even some Schoolhouse Rock songs.
Lisa Swayhoover, owner of Better World Imaginarium, is working with Steve Wampler, of Advantage Awards and Engraving, to print the lyrics sheets and signs, which will have a QR Code to a website that will have the song lyrics as well.
Finally, the Harford County Democratic Club will be marching in two events. On Friday, July 4, they will march with the NAACP in the Bel Air July 4th Parade. The parade route begins at the intersection of Idlewild and S. Main. and kicks off at 6 p.m.
The club is also marching in the Havre de Grace Independence Day Parade, which is on Saturday, July 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. To sign up to march with the Harford County Dems, click this link.
