Every year, USA Independence day in celebrated on 4th July. The first Independence day USA was celebrated on July 4, 1776. On this day, the Continental Congress officially declared thirteen American colonies from British rule. In 2024, the Fourth of July will be the 248th anniversary of Independence Day.
Independence Day USA History
In 1775, the Revolutionary War began, and a majority of the American colonies weren’t initially eager to completely sever ties with Britain. However, by 1776, sentiments began to shift as people grew increasingly discontent with Britain. Influential writings, such as Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion.
On June 7, the Continental Congress was occupied in a significant debate regarding the declaration of independence. This disagreement resulted in an almost random vote on July 2. Interestingly, despite John Adams anticipating celebrations on July 2, July 4 is now recognized as America’s Independence Day. This is because it marks the official approval of the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson.
Contrary to John Adams’ expectation, July 4 has become the day when the nation commemorates the onset of American independence. Nowadays, people nationwide celebrate Independence Day with parades, games, and fireworks, aligning with John Adams’ vision and honoring the birth of American independence.
USA Independence Day Traditions and Celebrations
In 1801, the White House began a custom of celebrating July 4th. This tradition kicked off just a year after the American colonies gained independence from British rule. The initial Independence Day festivity on July 4, 1777, featured fireworks and a 13-gun salute.
Since that day, fireworks displays have become a regular and crucial aspect of July 4th celebrations. On July 3, 1776, a day prior to signing the Declaration of Independence, John Adams, one of the founding fathers, wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail Adams. In the letter, he stressed the importance of commemorating the day with various activities such as parades, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations throughout the entire country. This tradition has endured and flourished over time.
Facts about Independence Day of USA
Independence Voting Date
The decision to seek independence for America wasn’t finalized on July 4th. The crucial vote took place on July 2, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress. July 4th is noteworthy because it marks the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
John Adams’ Prediction
John Adams, a key figure in the American War of Independence and the second U.S. President, declared July 2 as Independence Day. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, Adams envisioned the second day of July, 1776, as a grand anniversary festival, to be celebrated with various festivities and traditions.
Secret Storage at Fort Knox
During World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Secret Service Agent Harry Neal safeguarded crucial historical documents. The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and other important papers were secretly stored at Fort Knox near Louisville, Kentucky. These documents, including Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, were later returned to Washington, D.C., in 1944.
Triangular Flag Folding Tradition
The distinctive triangular folding of the United States National Flag is a nod to the “tri-cornered” hats worn by soldiers in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Late Recognition as a Federal Holiday
Surprisingly, the 4th of July did not become a federal holiday until 1870 when it was declared an unpaid holiday. It took over 70 years for it to transition into a paid federal holiday in 1941.
Longest-Running Parade in Bristol
Bristol, Rhode Island, has been hosting the 4th of July Parade since 1785, making it the oldest annual celebration of Independence Day to date.
USA Independence Day Quotes
“Freedom lies in being bold.” – Robert Frost
“Liberty is the breath of life to nations.” – George Bernard Shaw
“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” – Harry S. Truman
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Freedom is never granted, it is earned.” – A. Philip Randolph
“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.” – George Bernard Shaw
“May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country!” – Daniel Webster
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
“We must be free not because we claim freedom but because we practice it.” – William Faulkner
Independence Day USA – FAQs
When is Independence Day in the United States?
Independence Day is celebrated in the United States on July 4.
What is 4th of July called in USA?
The Fourth (4th) of July is a public holiday also called Independence Day, in the United States of America
What’s happening in USA on the 4th July?
Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.4. Why is July 4th a holiday in USA?
Why is July 4th a holiday in USA?
July 4th is celebrated in the USA as Independence Day because on this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the 13 colonies’ freedom from British rule. It symbolizes the birth of the United States, emphasizing principles of liberty and self-governance.
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