Independence Day is a national celebration of the United States, being one of the most popular holidays in the country, and probably the most patriotic one.
What is Independence Day?
July 4th is the most important celebration in the United States. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on the same day, back in 1776. Furthermore, American independence was achieved in the same year mentioned above.
From that moment on, all thirteen American colonies declared their freedom. Even though this the 4th of July was traditionally celebrated since 1776, it did not become a federal holiday until 1941. The Independence Day’s most important document was written by Thomas Jefferson. He was one of the American Founding Fathers, who later become the United States’ Vice President.
The Declaration of Independence explains the motives behind the American colonies decision of becoming free from the United Kingdom.
When Is Independence Day?
American Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th of July, each year. This year, this national holiday will be on a Monday. This is great news for those of you who want to get away for a couple of days and recharge their batteries.
Every year, on Independence Day, the United States organize a wide range of festivities such as parades, different concerts, impressive firework shows, and more. However, the average American family usually celebrates it in a more intimate environment like family gatherings and traditional barbecues.
Independence Day USA is, like I mentioned above, a national patriotic celebration. Because it is held in the summer time, all the festivities of this special day are usually organized outdoors. Moreover, this being a federal holiday, almost all federal institutions as well as many other companies are closed.
This year, because the Independence Day will be on a Monday, many people will take advantage of that and spend a long weekend away from the city, gathering with family, relatives, and friends. Independence Day fireworks are the most popular manifestation of this holiday. During these fireworks, people can listen to patriotic songs remembering the Revolutionary War that took place in 1812.
In Washington, D.C., an Independence Day parade is organized every year. Besides the United States, Denmark is the country which holds the biggest 4th of July celebrations. An interesting fact connected with this holiday is that Thomas Jefferson, the founding father who has written the Declaration of Independence, died on a 4th of July day, in 1826, after 50 years from the first Independent Day celebration.
Fun and Interesting Facts About the Independence Day
- The Declaration of Independence, which is the main important document linked to this celebration, was signed by two people, on July 4th. Most of the signers of this document gave their signatures on August 2nd, 1776.
- The current American flag, which has 50 stars, it did not look like this when it was initially adopted back in 1777. The first Independence flag had only thirteen stars. The United States is the only country that has modified their flag.
- Calvin Coolidge was born on a fourth of July, in 1872. He was the 30th president of the United States. Another three presidents died on the same day, but in different years. These presidents were Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Adams.
- John Adams was the only founding father who did not agree with celebrating the Independence Day on 4th of July. He believed that July 2nd was better suited to become the national holiday.
- Besides America, there are also other nations that celebrate July 4th. Denmark, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and Portugal are organizing festivities as well. This happens because many people have emigrated to America at the beginning of the 1900s.
- The most exciting moment of the Independence Day celebrations is the fireworks show. This idea of introducing fireworks during the festivities is quite traditional because it was first implemented in 1777, in Philadelphia.
- The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.
- The Philippines was the country that gained independence from America, on 4th of July, in 1946.
- The American flag’s popular name that we all know today is “Stars and Stripes.” However, its initial name was “Old Glory” and it was named like this by Captain William Driver.
- The first Independence Day festivities included cannon shots, fireworks, and a parade held in Philadelphia. This happened in 1777. However, the Congress made it official in 1870.
- It was on an Independence Day when General George Washington offered his soldiers a larger portion of rum. This reminds us, in a certain manner, of the way this federal holiday is celebrated nowadays.
- American workers did not have this day off until 1938 when the Independence Day became recognized as a paid federal holiday.
- A fun fact is that every year, on Independence Day, over 150 million hot dogs are eaten.
All in all, Independence Day is probably the most important and the most celebrated holiday in the United States. All the engaging festivities create a great occasion for all Americans to take a day off from their work, get together with their families, and enjoy a fun and relaxing day. Happy Independence Day, America!
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