For Michael Douglas, the Fourth of July is a time for celebration and contemplation.
The Oscar-winning actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to mark the July 4th holiday, sharing a photo of himself pointing resolutely at the camera in a navy blue button-down shirt and blazer with dark shades.
“Happy 247th Independence Day to you all!” Douglas wrote, alluding to the anniversary of the United States’ independence from Great Britain. “Have a happy one, just remember what we are celebrating!”
Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Though 12 of the 13 American colonies had already approved the resolution by July 2, 1776, the document declaring independence from Britain wasn’t officially adopted until July 4.
Patriotic tunes:Your guide to the ultimate Fourth of July music playlist, from ‘God Bless America’ to ‘Firework’
Check out how other stars got into the patriotic spirit.
Brooke Shields shares patriotic throwback photo
Brooke Shields wished her fans a calm Fourth of July on Instagram. The actress shared a throwback photo of herself wearing a strapless, American flag-inspired, midriff-baring top with matching red, white and blue denim bottoms.
“Happy Fourth!!!” Shields wrote. “Be safe!!”
Sharon Stone unveils festive artwork
Sharon Stone is letting her creativity soar from sea to shining sea.
The “Basic Instinct” star, who held her first solo gallery exhibition as a visual artist earlier this year, shared a photo of what appears to be one of her artworks. The painting depicts the face of a woman with flowing red hair. The red strands of hair seemingly mirror the red stripes of the American flag.
“Happy Fourth of July,” Stone wrote.
Arnold Schwarzenegger boasts he was ‘made in America’
Arnold Schwarzenegger may have expatriate roots, but his heart belongs to the US of A.
The bearded star, who was born in Austria, posted a photo of himself posing next to a bear statue on Instagram. The “Terminator” actor was decked out in patriotic garb, wearing a red, white and blue jacket and matching cowboy hat.
“Happy 4th of July! I was born in Austria, but I am Made in America,” Schwarzenegger wrote. “Consider this your official reminder: put your phone down, turn off the social media, get outside, BBQ, and spend some time with your friends and family.”
Michelle and Barack Obama share sweet side-by-side photo
The couple that celebrates together stays together.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama posted a joint Fourth of July post on Instagram, which featured an image of the couple’s silhouettes watching a colorful firework display.
“From our family to yours, we hope you have a happy Fourth of July!” the Obamas wrote.
Cyndi Lauper celebrates Independence Day with cheeky throwback photo
Girls just want to have (patriotic) fun, according to Cyndi Lauper.
The ‘80s pop icon celebrated the Fourth of July on Instagram with a playful throwback photo that showed the singer donning an American flag bikini and Uncle Sam-esque hat.
“Happy #IndependenceDay,” Lauper wrote.
Constance Marie reflects on equality with Fourth of July message
Constance Marie is proudly getting on her patriotic soapbox this Fourth of July.
The “With Love” actress took to Instagram to share a quote from civil rights activist Coretta Scott King that read, “Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.”
“I love this country. That said, we are complicated for sure,” Marie wrote. “But I really do believe in liberty and justice for all. And recently, the rights of some of us are being rolled back. For women, for LGBTQ+, for people of color and Native Americans.”
Marie went on to encourage her followers not to “give up” on the pursuit of social equality.
“We need to double down and work hard to ensure that ‘Liberty and justice for all’ actually means all of us,” Marie wrote. “So, let’s take a breath and remember we are stronger together. Wishing everyone a blessed day. And the courage, patience and strength to carry on.”
Fourth of July concert:The Bidens’ Fourth of July White House concert to include Brothers Osborne, Ne-Yo
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY
