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44 Funny 4th of July Memes to Celebrate Independence Day

Updated: Jul. 09, 2024

These 4th of July memes will make you spit out your liber-tea

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Stars, stripes and silly 4th of July memes

You probably have many activities on your 4th of July agenda: a barbecue, a day at the beach and maybe even a 4th of July bash to keep the celebration going through the evening. Regardless of your ideas for the greatest summer weekend, you’ll definitely want to keep your friends and family laughing with 4th of July memes.

There’s something for everyone in our collection of Independence Day memes: 4th of July jokes about the signing of the Declaration of Independence for the history buffs, barbecue jokes for those who appreciate the day off from work and so much more. So wave the flag and pick your favorite 4th of July memes to share with your friends. You’re bound to get everyone in the patriotic mood.

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Ring, ring!

My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty … and really great dog memes.

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I do declare!

Need a refresher on one of the most important documents in American history? We’ve got you covered with this explanation of the difference between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

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Get it?

Who doesn’t love a good pun in their funny 4th of July meme?

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Stars, stripes and summertime

What would we even do? If this resonates with you, you’ll love these vacation memes.

group of people watching and recording fireworks
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Eyes on the event

Everyone in the crowd may be filming the spectacle, but everyone in the crowd also knows that videos never do a fireworks display justice. So instead of focusing on your phone, stay present in the moment, enjoying the show and the 4th of July songs.

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The bravest little patriots

Let freedom bark with these dog-tastic patriotic quotes.

Gettyimages 500046543 4th Of July Party Text You're A Real Firecracker You Really Crack Me Up
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I’m exploding with laughter

Whether this meme cracked you up or caused an eye-roll, you have to admit: It makes for a pretty great 4th of July Instagram caption.

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The fundamental breakup

“We just need a break. It’s not you, England. It’s U.S.” And with that, Independence Day was born.

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The most stressful time of the year

Anyone have some puppy-size noise-canceling headphones? If you’re wondering, this is why dogs are so scared of fireworks.

dog dressed for 4th of july with american flag
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A true patriot

Also likes bones and stealing hot dogs from human plates.

woman on a date at a bar with a drink smiling at someone
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Let freedom ring

This is a dad joke if we’ve ever heard one!

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Alternate history

If baking under the summer sun isn’t your idea of a fun 4th of July celebration, we have the solution: an Independence Day rewatch. It’s considered one of the best patriotic movies for a reason.

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Reality bites

Here’s an idea (inspired by our Independence Day weekend): Let’s bring the office to the beach.

44 Funny 4th Of July Memes To Celebrate Independence Day 10 Graphic
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You know the one

And yes, they’re usually Ruffles.

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The group chat is blowing up

Wish you could’ve been there!

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An honest mistake

Hey, maybe the fireworks weren’t for them, but I’m sure they would appreciate a 4th of July getaway.

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Red, white and blue

This tiny, furry Yankee Doodle is clearly adorable—just like these other cat memes.

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Irreconcilable differences

But you’re cool, glamour.

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Smells like summer

Somebody definitely said barbecue. We’ll be right over.

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Stick to England, sir

The signers of the Declaration of Independence made sure of that.

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There are so many

Hitting up a 4th of July party is fun, but have you ever tried staying home and scrolling through a feed full of grainy fireworks displays instead?

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Friendly reminder

Talk about a joke! We’re pretty sure Thomas Jefferson had this event circled on his calendar. It was, after all, the most significant day of his life, as this 4th of July quote from him attests: “The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our Independence, the Fourth of July.”

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A classic tune

Add this to your 4th of July playlist ASAP.

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It’s mandatory

Sorry, we don’t make the rules.

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Sit back and relax

It’s time to celebrate like a real American: with food cooked on a grill.

meme text: All Of Your Bffs Posing For The Annual 4th Of July Ph
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Do it for the ‘gram

And TikTok and Facebook and the group chat…

meme text: Checking To See How Many Hot Dogs Are Left On The Grill
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Hot off the grill

Try not to seem too eager—then sneak an extra when nobody is looking. By the way, here’s where to find the best hot dog near you.

meme text: The Longest Running Argument Which Flavor Is Best?
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The ultimate debate

Blue, obviously. Another big debate: Who has the best burger in each state. You’ll have to try ’em to see if we’re right!

meme text: Don't Forget To Leave Cookies Out For Captain America
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It’s tradition

Oh. wait. Wrong holiday.

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Did someone say “lobster”?

We love a good summer meme! But in case you need a reminder, make sure to apply that sunscreen. And then reapply. And reapply…

meme text: When Someone Asks You To Keep An Eye On The Grill
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Well done

Leave it to the professionals.

meme text: The Most Important Pool Float
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Just chilling

We must protect the drinks at all costs.

meme text: There Is Always That One
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Cannonball!

They just can’t help but make waves. Love this meme? Be sure to check out these funny vacation stories before your next trip to the pool.

meme text: Me First In Line For A Burger
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Hunger games

Watch out, everyone! The little ones are coming in hot for burgers fresh off the grill.

meme text: When you finally emerge from the air conditioning to go outside
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From shivering to sweltering

Step out of the cool house to experience dripping-wet underarms in under five minutes. That’s summer for you! But these beach puns are shore to make you laugh through the heat.

Declaration Of Independence Of Top Of American Flag
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We the people…

… think it’s time to split up.

Gettyimages 97454532 Woman With A Sunburn Text Going Back To Reality After The Long Weekend Can We Work From The Pool Today
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No thanks

Can we work from the pool today?

Gettyimages 147984927 Group Of Dogs Text Its The Worst Day Of The Year For Us
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Enough with the fireworks

While you search for the best fireworks display near you, remember that your pup is living its worst day of the year.

Gettyimages 575338385 Girl Dressed For Fourth Of July Text When Someone Asks If You're Ready For The 4th Of July I Have Never Been More Ready
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Born ready

Let’s do this independence thing.

Gettyimages 81859967 Girl Stretching In Bed Waking Up For 4th Of July
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It’s time

A day of beer, barbecues and fun.

Gettyimages 1097547990 Fireworks On The 4th Of July Text All Your Neighbors At Midnight On The 4th
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Sleep is for the unpatriotic

Ah, the middle-of-the-night home fireworks display. Is it Independence Day without it? For no particular reason, here’s whether fireworks are legal or illegal in your state.

Gettyimages 470046956 A Woman In Swimsuit Sunbathing On A Long Chair On The Beach
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Just lounging

Hanging out on a beach chair … nothing to see here.

Gettyimages 1222811195 Smiling Woman Enjoying Glass Of Wine While Watching Sunset From Backyard
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Let freedom ring

Talk about freedom! For a long weekend, that is. We’re setting the out-of-office message as we speak!

Gettyimages 1301080368 4th Of July Themed Burger And Hot Dog Meal On Paper Plate
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Hamburger or hot dog?

C’mon, you know you’ll just have both.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has been telling jokes for more than 100 years, curated and reviewed over the last 20 years by Senior Features Editor Andy Simmons, a humor editor formerly of National Lampoon and the author of Now That’s Funny. We’ve earned prestigious ASME awards for our humor—including comical quips, pranks, puns, cartoons, one-liners, knock-knock jokes, riddles, memes, tweets and stories in laugh-out-loud magazine columns such as “Life in These United States,” “All in a Day’s Work,” “Laughter Is the Best Medicine” and “Humor in Uniform,” as well as online collections such as short jokesdad jokes and bad jokes so bad, they’re great. You can find a century of humor in our 2022 compendium, Reader’s Digest: Laughter, the Best Medicine. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.