As leaders and communities across the United States prepare to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Americans from coast to coast are questioning the fabric of the nation that appears to be ripping at the seams due to the current political and social climate. Shown here, demonstrators protesting in Philadelphia, after panels informing the public about chattel slavery in America were removed. The panels were reinstalled in late February after being taken down in late January. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)