The U.S. Social Security Administration said Wednesday it plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence this Fourth of July in a unique way.
Millions of children born in the U.S. between July 2 and December 31, 2026, will receive first-of-their-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 country, or 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is being celebrated across the U.S. on Saturday, the Fourth of July, with a variety of events.
Those events include the Great American State Fair (which has so far been poorly attended); Rushmore 250, a historic tribute and fireworks 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) sailing up the East Coast of the U.S. , with stops at the Port of New York and New Jersey July 4-8 and Boston Harbor July 11-16.
Of course, many Americans will be celebrating with friends and family over barbecues in their own backyards, trying to brave a record heat wave that’s bringing dangerously high temperatures to many regions of the U.S. More than 160 million people are under “major” or “extreme” heat risk over the next several days, according to ABC News.