Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress announced that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now joined, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier on July 2nd. A committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin was responsible for drafting what is now known as one of America’s most important documents.
After voting for independence on July 2nd, 1776, John Hancock, President of Continental Congress, signed the Declaration Of Independence with most members signing it later.
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How do we celebrate Independence Day?
On this day, Americans celebrate by attending parades, picnics, and fireworks displays. Families and friends gather to enjoy time together and reflect on the freedoms that we have as Americans.
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States so many people have the day off from work or school. This allows for more time to participate in activities with loved ones.
Many individuals display the American flag outside their homes or facilities. Many residents arrange fireworks that are often attended by patriotic music. The most amazing fireworks are shown on television. Some workers use one or more of their holiday days to make a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite seaside or break spot.
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Why do we celebrate the 4th of July?
You may want to know, Why do we celebrate the 4th of July? What does it mean?” Well, this day is particularly important in American history, as it celebrates the day the United States officially became its own country. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776—and thus, America was born. American residents celebrate America’s birthday with celebrations, parades, fireworks, barbecues, sparklers, and other positive activities.
We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that describes the Declaration of Independence, America’s extreme Charter of Freedom, and the document upon which the country’s founding principles were established. But July 4 wasn’t the day that independence was announced. Nor the day that the Declaration was officially signed.
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Amazing 4th of July facts every American should know
The history of the 4th of July is amazing, but there are other impressive 4th of July facts every American should know. Here are six unique ones:
- Some colonists marked Independence Day during the summer of 1776 by setting on mock funerals for King George III of England—representing the death of the Crown’s rule on America.
- The first annual remembrance of Independence Day happened on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia.
- John Adams, a Founding Father and the second president of the United States, deeply accepted Independence Day should be observed on July 2nd. He even declined to attend the 4th of July events because he felt so intensely about July 2nd is the right date.
- Adams and Thomas Jefferson, fellow Founding Fathers, both passed on July 4, 1826. James Monroe, another U.S. president, also died on July 4th, but he died in 1831.
- Thomas Jefferson was the first president to celebrate Independence Day at the White House, in 1801. The festival featured horse races, parades, food, and drinks—similar to the 4th of July festivities we see today.
- Although the 4th of July has been observed each year since 1776, it didn’t become a national holiday until 1870. And it didn’t become a paid holiday for federal workers until 1941.