‘So Patriotic’: Students Celebrate America’s 250th, Harvard’s 390th Anniversaries in the Yard

Hundreds of students gathered in Harvard Yard Friday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 390th anniversary of the founding of Harvard College.

The event, hosted by the College, featured student band performances, a barbecue dinner, stilt walkers, a DJ set, and a laser light show.

Student acts Yard Bops and Admissions kicked off the evening, while a miniature train carried students through the Yard. Large inflatables, including a slide and an American flag, dotted the space.

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming publicized the event in an email to affiliates last month as one of several College initiatives to recognize the University and country’s “shared history” during the U.S. semiquincentennial.

Performers on stilts — dressed in red, white, and blue — walked through the event carrying sheer wings and light sticks.

Harvard University Dining Services provided a classic barbecue dinner, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. A beer cart was stationed in the Yard for attendees with valid photo ID.

The event, which was closed to the public, concluded with a laser light show and an hourlong DJ set. The performance also featured more than 100 drones that formed the Harvard crest and various images tied to the founding of the U.S., including a large-scale rendition of John Hancock’s signature.

Angelina E. Vesselinov ’30, who attended the celebration and had heard about the drone show in advance, said the event surpassed her expectations.

“My roommates and I were like, ‘This is gonna be either really good or really bad,’” Vesselinov said. “But it was amazing.”

Vesselinov said she and her roommates started line dancing during the performances.

“I felt so patriotic,” she said.

Several international students in attendance said the event made them feel more connected to American culture.

Dominic M. Kartadjoemena ’30, a freshman from Indonesia, said the event gave him a deeper appreciation for American culture.

“I think the way Harvard organized the event makes it so that you can feel the energy all throughout campus,” Kartadjoemena said. “I’ve talked to a few people, learning more about it. I think it’s just very inspiring to see how big of a deal they make it.”

Kartadjoemena also praised the College’s decision to open the event to all undergraduates, saying it allowed students to make new connections.

Singaporean freshman Laura W.L. Lang ’30 said she was excited to experience American culture after seeing it portrayed in the media.

“It’s a really nice way to soak in the culture, and just hang out with friends after midterms. And I think the whole atmosphere of having like barbecue, meats, hot dogs, hamburgers, music, bouncy castles — such a lit environment,” Lang said.