The Social Security Administration (SSA) said Wednesday it plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4 in a unique way.
Millions of children born in the United States between July 2 and December 31, 2026, will receive the first-of-its-kind , limited-edition cards which are identical in function to a standard Social Security card, and feature the official Freedom 250 logo in black ink marking their birth during this auspicious, year.
The commemorative cards are being issued as part of the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program, where parents can request a Social Security number for their newborn at hospitals, birthing centers, or those using licensed midwives during the birth registration process. The SSA has issued Social Security numbers to newborns through the EAB program since 1987.
“Freedom 250 is a celebration of America’s storied history and the monumental moments that have shaped our nation, including the creation of Social Security over 90 years ago,” Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said in a press release.
The anniversary marks the semiquincentennial of the United States, or 250 years, since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is being marked across the nation on Saturday with a variety of events including: The Great American State Fair (which has so far, been poorly attended); Rushmore 250, an historic tribute and firework display taking place at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota; and Sail250 celebrating the nation’s maritime history with 60 ships from 20 countries, (including tall ships, military vessels and character ships) which are sailing along the Gulf of America and East Coast between May and July 2026.
Of course, many Americans will be celebrating with friends and family over barbecues in their own backyards, trying to brave a record heat wave bringing dangerously high temperatures in the 90s to low 100 degrees from Boston to Washington, DC, to Boston, sweeping the Midwest and Texas. More than 160 million people are under “major” or “extreme” heat risk over the next few days and into the weekend, according to ABC News.
