Monday, July 4
Independence Day in the United States
Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as
"the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the
declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic
displays and family events are organized throughout the United States.
Celebrate Independence Day
Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and
barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of
political freedom. Activities associated with the day include
watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as
baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war
games.
Many people display the American flag outside their homes or
buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied
by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on
television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to
create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite
beach or vacation spot.
Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive
aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events
to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their
country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks
for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of
today's Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is
associated with Independence Day.
About Independence Day
In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their
independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for
independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was
first published two days later on July 4, 1776. The first public reading
of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began
to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870,
Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In
1941, it became a paid holiday for them.
The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was
in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He
described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells,
bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the
term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791.
Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the
Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on
July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.
It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country
and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European
settlers.