Happy Independence Day!
Independence Day is most popularly known as the Fourth of July. It is a holiday in the United States. The holiday is mostly associated with fireworks. There are also parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and other ceremonies. A variety of other public and private events also happen. They celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
Independence Day is a Federal holiday. All non-essential federal institutions (such as the postal service and federal courts) are closed. Typically, schools, banks and financial markets, along with most businesses, are closed. Many politicians make it a point 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. Many take advantage of the day off and, in some years, a long weekend to gather with relatives or friends. Decorations such as streamers, balloons, and clothing are generally colored red, white, and blue. Parades are often held in the morning before family get-togethers. Fireworks displays occur after dark at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
The first week of July is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the United States. Many people use what is often a three-day holiday weekend for extended vacation trips. In many ways, the Fourth of July is similar to the patriotic holidays of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Learn the History of Independence Day
The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject and subordinate to the monarch of Britain. At the time, it was King George III. The Declaration stated that the Colonies were now united, free, and independent states. The Continental Congress voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2. Independence was not declared, though, until July 4.
