Independence Day in United States
Quick Facts
On Independence Day, Americans celebrate the anniversary of publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Local names
| Name | Language |
| Independence Day | English |
| DÃa de la Independencia | Spanish |
Alternative name
Fourth of July
Independence Day 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009 – Observed date
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Independence Day 2010
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. Many people display the American flag on their homes. The celebrations have
deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.
Independence Day is a patriotic holiday celebrated by Americans worldwide. ©iStockphoto.com/Philip Lange What do people do?
Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It 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.
Public life
Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed (tien hanh)on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations.
There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.
Background
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.
Symbols
The most common Independence Day symbol is the American flag. Its design is displayed in all possible ways on July 4 and can be seen in front of homes and buildings. Other symbols associated with Independence Day are the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in New York and the fireworks viewed all over the United States. Sometimes large civic works such as the Erie Canal and the Washington Monument start on July 4, emphasizing their contribution to the economy and culture of the United States.
| Independence Day |
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| Also called | The Fourth of July
The Glorious Fourth
The Fourth |
| Observed by | |
| Type | National |
| Significance | |
| Date | |
| Celebrations | |
In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
| “ | The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.[5] | ” |
Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.[6] One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.[7][8] The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth.[9] Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.[10] In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary. President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831, but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence. Observance
An 1825 invitation to an Independence Day celebration
Customs
Patriotic trailer shown in theaters prior to the 4th of July, 1940.
Independence Day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people. Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off and, in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares. Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states. A salute of one gun for each state in the United States, called a “salute to the union,” is fired on Independence Day at noon by any capable military base.[17] While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary according to which day of the week the 4th falls on. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.
america’s story from america’s library
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Original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence in Jefferson's hand | |
| | Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation
July 4, 1776
It's Independence Day! Today, all across the United States, people are wishing each other a happy Fourth of July. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. Though it is the Constitution that provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion "all Men are created equal," is equally beloved by the American people. On the Declaration's first anniversary, many citizens of Philadelphia had a spontaneous July 4th celebration. But it wasn't until after the War of 1812 that observing Independence Day became commonplace. |
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Fireworks at the World Fair, 1940
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| | Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation
July 4, 1776
In the past, large public events were arranged to take place on July 4 in order to coincide with the holiday. The groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad both took place on July 4. But even without these events, Americans have long celebrated Independence Day with great fanfare. Picnics and parades fill the day while fireworks fill the night sky. A band may play one of John Philip Sousa's marches, such as "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Friends and families barbeque, hold contests and races, wave flags, sing, or listen to patriotic speeches. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was one of America's most important holidays. |
Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation
July 4, 1776
In 1859, still in the days of slavery, the Banneker Institute of Philadelphia urged African Americans to celebrate Independence Day, even though it recognized that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence were in conflict with the practice of slavery. Nonetheless, the institute expressed the hope that soon, "our long lost rights will be restored to us."
The Fourth of July became a legal holiday in 1941. Every year the celebration of the American ideal that--"all Men are created equal"--continues. How do you celebrate Independence Day?
Celebrate Independence day
O n July 4, 2009The United States of America celebrates 233rd year since Independence On July 4, 1776, the United States claimed it's independence from England and Democracy was born. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate their independence with picnics, barbecues, fireworks and family gatherings. All Americans are entitled to Independence Day off work - although some people have to work. (like policemen and firemen). Independence Day is considered a Family Day with picnics, barbecues, fireworks, parades, to celebrate independence and freedom. Americans proudly fly the American flag and spend the day with their families: |
Facts & History
America's National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP's, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America's birthday!
The Parade is co-hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, which is under contract to the National Park Service.
Participating bands are invited based on recommendations from each state's Governor's office. Other times these recommendations come from a state's music educators office or other music education organizations at the governor's request.
Representation from all parts of the United States is the goal of the Parade National Selection Committee. Bands must submit a video recording, photos, and biographical information detailing experience, honors, past adjudication results, festival ratings, etc. The deadline for band applications is January 15th of the year of the parade the band is applying to participate in, and bands are notified of their acceptance no later than February 15th of the same year. Marching bands are selected on the basis of overall quality, as well as geographical, ethnic and stylistic diversity. It is the annual goal of the parade organizers to have at least one band or unit represent each of the 50 states of the union.
The Nation's Capital offers unlimited excitement on July 4th in addition to the parade. A National Folklife Festival on the Mall features different cultures in the Americas and a variety of ethnic groups. That evening, parade participants are all part of the audience of the PBS Concert at the Capitol Building featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and one of the country's largest fireworks displays. There is no greater location displaying greater excitement on America's birthday than in our nation's capital!
4th July - Independence Day - American Flag Burger
4th july, independence day, america, holiday,
In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people. Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off and, in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares. Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
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Welcome toIndependence Day on the Net
The 4th of July is a time for the Red White and Blue. A time for Picnics, Parades and Marching Bands. A time for Beaches, BBQs and "Bombs Bursting in Air."
We've got some history to read, Flag facts, National Parks, National Monuments & Memorials, and Must-See Fireworks to share. We've also got Mom's Apple Pie to bake, holiday craft to make, pictures for the kids to color, and summertime recipes to grill.
US Independence Day is celebrated on the July 4th.
The Story of Independence Day
and America's Birthday
Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as "Taxation without Representation" as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.
In April 1775 as the King's troops advanced on Concord Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that "The British are coming, the British are coming" as he rode his horse through the late night streets.
The battle of Concord and its "shot heard round the world" would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence.
The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.
By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 - Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained.
To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!."
The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription -
Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof
And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.
A Timeline:
History of the American Flag
For more than two centuries, the American flag has been our nation's symbol of freedom and independence. Since Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in May 1777, it has represented these values in every town and city in America, in nations around the world and even in space. Here's a look at the historical development of the American flag:
May 1777
The Continental Congress visited seamstress Betsy Ross' store and asked her to sew the first American flag.
June 14, 1777
The Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act to establish an official flag for the new nation.
"Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
July 4, 1777
The birth of a new nation was heralded as the Declaration of Independence was read aloud for the first time.
January 13, 1794
Congress passed an Act providing for 15 stripes and 15 stars to appear on the flag.
April 4, 1818
Congress passed an Act providing for the addition of one star for each state admitted to the Union; the flag was to be changed on the 4th of July following the admission.
June 24, 1912
President Taft signed an Executive Order providing that the stars be ordered in six horizontal rows with eight stars in each row; each star was to have a single point facing up.? The additional star reflected the admission of America's 48th state, Arizona, into the Union.
January 3, 1959
President Eisenhower signed an Executive Order providing that the stars be ordered in seven horizontal rows of seven stars each in order to reflect the admission of America's 49th and 50th states, Alaska and Hawaii, into the Union.
August 21, 1959
President Eisenhower signed an Executive Order providing that the stars be ordered in nine staggered horizontal rows and eleven staggered vertical rows.
Must-See Monuments and Memorials in Washington, D.C.
What better time to visit our nation's capital than America's Independence Day? In the birthplace of the nation, you can walk through the footsteps of American history by day and be swept up in one of the country's best fireworks shows by night. When planning your trip's itinerary, you'll want to be sure to include these eight must-see memorials and monuments. If visiting these sites doesn't give you a shot of patriotic pride, nothing will!
Washington Monument
A towering obelisk over the city of Washington D.C., the Washington Monument pays tribute to America's first president, George Washington. Reminiscent of ancient Egyptian obelisks, the Washington Monument stands 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches tall and is the tallest freestanding masonry structure in the world.
Fifty flags encircle the base of the Washington Monument, representing each of America's fifty states. Situated at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and 15th Avenue, the Washington Monument was constructed through private donations raised by the Washington National Monument Society during the mid 19th century.
The Monument, which sees 800,000 visitors each year, is open year-round, except December 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission, although you do need a ticket with an assigned time for your entrance. Free tickets are available at the kiosk on 15th Street and Madison Drive, on the monument grounds.
The Washington Monument is Metro-accessible (Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange lines.) For more information, call the Visitors Information Center at (202) 426-6841.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Dedicated in 1997, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is the nation's newest presidential memorial. The multi-staged memorial honors the President who led America out of the Great Depression and through bitter victory in World War II.
Sitting astride 7.5 of garden acres in the heart of Washington, D.C. the FDR Memorial is comprised of four outdoor sculpture galleries -- one for each of FDR's four terms in office (1933 to 1945). Roosevelt was the only president elected four times. In 1951, the number of consecutive terms a president may serve was limited to two by the ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.
The FDR Memorial, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., is Metro-accessible (Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange lines.) Admission is free.
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia
What better way to appreciate the bounty of being an American than to visit our nation's largest military cemetery? Arlington Cemetery is the final resting place for America's war heroes and veterans, U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Taft, Supreme Court Justices, astronauts, prominent explorers and major historical figures.
Also at Arlington is the Tomb of the Unknowns, which stands as a memorial to American servicemen and women who have died but whose remains were not identified. More than 4 million people visit the cemetery each year.
The cemetery, which is open year-round except for December 25, is Metro-accessible (Arlington National Cemetery station on the Blue line.) Admission is free. For more information, contact (703) 607-8052.
The Iwo Jima Memorial
Also known as the U. S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial is comprised of a 60-foot-high sculpture depicting the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of five U.S. marines raising the American flag over Iwo Jima, Japan.
The Iwo Jima Memorial pays tribute to all the A
merican marines who have died in service of their country, from 1775 until the present. The moment captured by the sculpture served to be a seminal point in War World II: Iwo Jima led to end of the war against Japan in 1945.
The memorial site is Metro-accessible (Rosslyn Metro Station on the Orange and Blue lines.) The site is open daily, 24 hours a day.
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