Independence Day

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the US. In the United States, Independence Day, or more commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Independence Day is commonly associated with barbecues, picnics, concerts, carnivals, parades, fireworks,family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies.

There are also many other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors as it is summer in the US. Families will often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue with family members, and they take advantage of the day off and when Independence Day falls on a Monday or Friday they take advantage of a long weekend to gather with relatives or friends.

Decorations including balloons, streamers and clothing are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American Flag.

Parades are normally held in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, near beaches and in town squares.

Independence Day in the United States – the Biggest Birthday Celebration in the World

Independence Day in the United States is by far the most important national holiday of the year.

While the fanfare is dwarfed by mega holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Independence Day is one of those days that the country and its people need, especially in complicated times such as the 21st century.

Commonly known as the Fourth of July or July 4th, Independence Day brings American people together in a way that not many other holidays can.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty symbolizes America’s independence and the freedom the country offers to all that enter. It was given to the United States in 1886 by France (shipped in 214 crates and assembled on what is now know as Liberty Island in the New York Harbor.)

National Importance

The United States is a fairly young country, and the original birthday of the US was actually not that long ago. In 1776, the original thirteen states came together and separated from England with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. During this time, the brave Founding Fathers knew that the future ahead would be full of danger and risk to themselves and their families, but the importance of the country was greater than any one person.

Thus, in 1776, the United States of America was born. After years of extremely difficult fighting and war, the country came out on top and began its existence as a peaceful country. This was the defining moment for the country, and that is why Independence Day is of such great importance for American people even today. Without July 4th, there would be no America.

Independence Day – Placement on the Calendar

Due to the fact that the holiday is in the middle of summer time, there are countless festivals and parties all dedicated to celebrating this important day in the history and modern day USA. Also, because of its placement in the middle of summer, most traditional American summertime activities are in full swing by this time. These include water activities, beach trips, and cookouts and barbecues.

Activities for Independence Day

There are numerous activities that have been associated with July 4th, with most of them being in a celebratory fashion. Some of the most traditional aspects of July 4th are as follows:

Fireworks. If you look at any piece of promotional literature for a July 4th party, you will definitely see photos of fireworks exploding in a brilliant fashion. Fireworks, while not originally American, have become the primary symbol of the holiday. Besides the Red, White, and Blue, fireworks are an exact symbol of the USA and Independence Day.

Barbecues and Cook-outs. One of the most traditional ways for Americans to celebrate all summer holidays including Independence Day is to host or attend a cookout or barbecue. Most churches will have one of these events for its congregation on the 4th of July, and many will use it as an outreach to the community surrounding the church. Typically foods at these events include hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, kebabs, steaks, and vegetables. This is a good way for friends and family to get together during the holidays off from work.

Concerts. There are always a number of concerts which take place around the country on Independence Day. Some of the songs which will be played include “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and “America, the Beautiful.”

Travel. For those Americans who love to travel, the Independence Day weekend is a perfect time to do it. With having a long weekend, more time can be enjoyed at the destination than on the road. Typically, some of the most popular destinations include water parks, state and national parks, beaches, and the mountains. City locations are usually not as popular during the Fourth of July weekend. The United States is a naturally diverse country, with impressive landscapes in almost every state. The national park system is one of the great contributions that the US gave to the rest of the world, and these original national parks can be visited during the Fourth of July weekend.

Take the Day Off

Since 1938, July 4th has been an official paid holiday for government officials. This gives Independence Day a special place on the calendar of the United States, as there are only a limited number of paid holidays on the calendar. It is likely that this day will never disappear from the American calendar.

While those who enjoy this day may not fully realize this, there is a long history of celebrations for Independence Day. Starting even during the Revolutionary War with England, Americans were setting up unique celebrations for this day. After the war, this day became a very special day used to unite the country in the midst of its quest to grow and prosper.

Unique Celebrations in the United States

There are a number of special events which are unique to specific places in the USA. The longest running July 4th event started in 1785 and continues to this day in Bristol, Rhode Island. This New England state holds a very notable parade. On Coney Island, New York, there is an annual hot dog eating contest sponsored by Nathan’s hot dogs. Started over sixty years ago, there is a joint celebration between Canada and the United States which climaxes with a large fireworks display over the Detroit River.

One of the longest running televised concerts is the performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra during a fireworks show in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to this, the annual event on the front lawn of the Capitol building is also a long-running favorite among urban Americans.

Independence Day, the Biggest Birthday Party in the World

As a celebration of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence in 1776, Independence Day is recognized as a large birthday celebration for one of the world’s most influential countries.

Overall, this is a day of patriotism and pride for the United States. It is a large birthday celebration which all Americans can enjoy. Positioned conveniently in the middle of summer vacation, the Fourth of July is very fun because of the fact that almost everyone has time to take off from work and reflect on the United States and its history. While much of the original events of the first July 4th have been lost over the years, the overreaching concept is still intact.

For Americans, this vitally important day is truly a day of celebration.

Let the fireworks begin!

Article Provided By: USA Federal Holidays Calendar

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