Independence Day in United States

What is Independence Day?

Commonly known as the Fourth of July or simply July 4, Independence Day is a federal holiday celebrated annually in the United States. America was founded on this very day!

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independence, which is commemorated on this day. 

The birthday of the United States is celebrated through festivals, barbecues, parades, sparklers, fireworks, and other fun events.

Independence Day All Quick Overview

• Time/Date: July 4
• Category:Federal
• Where It’s Marked: The United States of America
• Why It's Marked: On July 4, Americans joined together to celebrate the birth of their nation as well as its independence from British rule.

History Of Independence Day

We need to go a little further back in time to thoroughly understand the significance of Independence Day and what happened in 1776. 

The colonization of America by European nations, particularly Great Britain, persisted throughout the 17th century and a significant portion of the 18th century. 13 colonies initially made up the United States. Great Britain established these colonies before they became American. The 13 colonies were home to an estimated 2.5 million inhabitants by 1775.

British forces rushed in to end the early signs of a rebellion as unhappiness escalated. People were compelled to pay taxes to King George III of England despite having no representation in the British Parliament and sang, "Taxation without representation!" during this time. The colonists made numerous attempts to end the crisis peacefully, but that did not yield any results. 

The Second Continental Congress of the Colonies convened in Philadelphia on June 11, 1776, and established a committee with the specific mandate of creating a declaration that would formally cut their connections with Great Britain. Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert R. Livingston were on the committee. 

On July 4, the Continental Congress formally approved Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence.

On June 2, the official declaration of independence was made. But it wasn't until then that the Fourth of July was acknowledged as the day the United States attained independence.

How to Celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day is one of the US's most vibrant and colorful holidays. People would gather at bonfires, concerts, parades, and street celebrations to celebrate their new country. 

One of the common phenomena of Independence Day is reading aloud the Declaration of Independence, followed by the sound of cannons and muskets, popularly known as The Sound of Independence. Americans celebrated the Fourth of July in a raucous and patriotic manner!

Let’s go through some largely celebrated Independence Day celebration traditions.

1. Fireworks

You might wonder why Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks! When we think of the Fourth of July, fireworks are unquestionably the first thing that spring to mind! The history of fireworks and Independence Day goes back a long way. 

Humans used the first pyrotechnics in 200 BC. The tradition of setting fireworks was developed during Philadelphia's July 4, 1777, commemorating the first official Independence Day. The 13 colonies were honored with a 13-gun salute from the ship's cannon. With thirteen missiles, it began and ended.

Lighting fireworks on July 4 is a long-standing American tradition, whether you do it yourself or see a local display. A lot of Americans enjoy making a big celebration of Independence Day!

2. Independence Day Parade

The National Independence Day parade is a big part of American culture! It starts at the corner of 7th Street NW and ends at 17th Street NW. The parade route is generally one mile in length.

To celebrate Independence Day, the neighborhood comes together for a parade. There will be many blue, red, and white, along with musical performances. In addition to festivals, carnivals, or fairs that offer delicious food, exciting rides, and other family-friendly activities, these events can also be followed by the 4th of July parades.

3. Backyard Picnic and Barbecue

Since Independence Day falls in the summertime, it has become a tradition to include summertime fun in the Independence Day celebration! Over time, the Fourth of July also became associated with other events and traditions, such as baseball, backyard picnics, watermelon-eating contests, games, and trips.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, apple pie, corn on the cob, cole slaw, and occasionally clam bakes are typical fare!

Countries that Observe Independence Day

 Independence Day is celebrated all across the United States of America on July 4.

Interesting Facts about Independence Day

The celebration of Independence Day brings to our minds a picture that includes fireworks, bonfires, and barbecues! Or people marching on roads wearing tricolored outfits. But there is so much more to it. 

Here are some interesting facts about Independence Day that you might not have known!

• John Adams argued that July 2 must be celebrated as America’s birthday instead of July 4. So he reportedly declined invitations to speak at July 4th gatherings in protest 
• Since 1776, Americans have observed Independence Day, although it wasn't recognized as a federal holiday until 1870.
• It wasn't until 1941 that government workers were granted a paid holiday.
• Americans love fireworks, don’t they? They spend over a billion dollars on fireworks, and a big chunk of that is spent on Independence Day!
• The next day the 4th of July, hospitals have a hard time dealing with a swarm of fire-burned patients!
• George Washington loved to celebrate Independence Day by giving the military a double serving of rum!

Unique Independence Day Celebration Ideas

Americans hold the Independence Day celebration close to their hearts. On this day, they commemorate the nation's struggle for freedom and celebrate America with friends, family, food, and entertainment. 

There are numerous traditions to celebrate this day. But you can always come up with something different to surprise your mates. Let's check some ideas out.

• Prepare some 4th of July unique appetizers to get your guests to eat them more and more!
• Craft some patriotic crafts to celebrate America’s birthday. From red, white, and blue flags to pinwheels, anything that is DIY will do!
• Travel! As Independence Day is a federal holiday, you can head to the ocean, lake, or camp to have fun!
• Go shopping! Holidays offer big discounts on products, which might help you buy something you've desired for quite some time! So, give it a go.

Independence Day Day Quotes

Looking for some quotes to post on social media to be relevant? Whether the answer is yes or no, these quotes can come to your aid this Independence Day. So, pause to consider the true spirit of Independence Day! 

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it." -Mark Twain

“Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

“In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.” - Barack Obama

FAQ

1. What is the 4th of July?

The 4th of July, or July 4, is the Independence Day of the United States of America.

2. Who gave America its independence?

The Continental Congress. In the Declaration of Freedom, the thirteen colonies in North America under British rule declared their independence. On July 4, 1776, it was formally approved by the Continental Congress.

3. Who is the only US president born on the 4th of July?

The only American president to be born on July 4 was John Calvin Coolidge Jr. He was born in 1872 in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

4. Why do Americans wear red, white, and blue on Independence Day?

Blue, white, and red are the colors of the national flag of America. People celebrate Independence Day by wearing these tricolored outfits or carrying flags.