Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a
federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great
Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades,
barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family
reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to 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.
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen
Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second
Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had
been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United
States independent from Great Britain. After voting for independence, Congress
turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining
this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas
Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of
the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had
written to his wife Abigail:
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.
Adams's 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.
Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the
Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John
Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that
day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a
month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly
believed.
Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of
the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United
States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of
the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but
another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4,
1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on the holiday.
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is
the only U.S. President to have been born on Independence Day.
Public life
Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is
observed 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.
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.
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