July Fourth US Independence Day

The Fourth of July is a day set aside to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4th 1776. That led to our declaring war on England and our eventual independence as a democracy. It's a national holiday that's celebrated all around the country. Communities often hold parades, barbecues, fairs, and shoot off fireworks to commemorate the day, and it's been celebrated in some areas of the country from the very first anniversary of the holiday.

The History of the Fourth of July

The actual separation of the United States from Great Britain took place on July 2, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress. Congress then debated the Declaration of Independence; the formal document that explained the decision to separate. They revised and debated it until July 4, when they approved it, and that's why we celebrate July Fourth today. However, July Fourth celebrations like we have today didn't start happening all around the country until long after the first Independence Day.

Early Observances

On the first anniversary of the Declaration, some cities shot off thirteen gunshots or artillery shots, while others gave speeches, held official dinners, or decorated their ships at dock. In 1781, Massachusetts was the first state to officially establish a July Fourth statewide celebration, and the first time the holiday was referred to as "Independence Day" was in 1791. It wasn't until 1870 that Independence Day was recognized as a federal holiday, but employees weren't paid for the day off. In 1938, Congress made it a paid federal holiday.

Some Ways to Celebrate the Holiday

Today, families usually celebrate Independence Day with picnics, barbecues, and parties. Most cities and towns shoot off fireworks at dusk, and many communities throw July Fourth parades, too. The longest running parade in the United States is in Bristol, Rhode Island, and it's been going on since 1785. In New York City, Macy's throws a giant fireworks display that's televised nationally, and since 1916, in Brooklyn, New York the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place. In Boston, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place on the Charles River, filling the Esplanade to overflowing with holiday celebrants. Many areas of the country allow their residents to shoot off their own fireworks on the Fourth of July, while they are illegal in many other areas. However you choose to celebrate July Fourth, make sure you stop to remember why we're celebrating, and the heritage it means for our country.