Independence Day, Fourth of July Holiday
About Independence Day, the Fourth of July
Every year, Americans look forward to the Fourth of July. Independence Day is the birthday of our nation. Today, we celebrate and enjoy the freedom that comes with the event that made this day so special. And, we do so in a big way. There are parades and picnics. And of course, there are fireworks at night.
Thomas Jefferson is the leading author of the Declaration of Independence. He led a committee that crafted the declaration between June 11-28, 1776. Jefferson and other representatives from the thirteen colonies voted and approved it on July 4, 1776. The document declared freedom for the 13 colonies from British rule. It currently resides in the Exhibition Hall of the National Archive in Washington, D.C.
Did you know? The Declaration of Independence was not signed by all representatives until August 1776. To make it official, John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress signed it. Now, can anyone guess where the saying “Put your John Hancock on it” came from!?!
Today, we enjoy the benefits of the freedom that the framers signed and ultimately fought for. For us, it is a time for baseball, hot dogs, family picnics, and fireworks. Summer is in full swing and life is good.
Fourth of July is not complete without parades and fireworks. Fireworks are enjoyed by almost everyone. You should have your choice of several locations in your area on the Fourth, or even the day before. Many cottage owners on lakes will set out flares along the shore creating a “Ring of Fire”. Add to the impressive display of the flares and an abundance of fireworks, and you have quite a memorable display.
Read the full, unabridged Declaration of Independence.
Happy Birthday, America!!!!!
Independence Day, The Birth of Our Country and the Original Thirteen States
Today is Independence Day, the birthday of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, declared our independence from British rule. It took winning the Revolutionary War, to assure the existence and freedom of our new, fledgling country of the people, by the people, and for the people.
The thirteen colonies officially became the original thirteen states, when representatives from those colonies signed the “Articles of Confederation” on March 1, 1781. Originally, the states were a loose confederation consisting of strong states’ rights along with a weak central government. The original concept didn’t work very well in practice. As a result, a Constitutional Convention was held in 1787, resulting in the Constitution of the United States of America. On September 7, 1787, the members of the convention signed the Constitution. But, it required ratification by nine of the original thirteen states before becoming official. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution. On March 4, 1789, the Constitution formally replaced the Articles of Confederation. Then, on September 25, 1789, the first Congress of the United States adopted the first 12 Amendments. Today, there are 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Heard on the Street: On the Fourth of July, citizens launch an enormous number of fireworks in celebration. But, one must remember – – safety comes first. So, kids, don’t pay with fireworks. Let the adults who have been drinking all day shoot them off.
The Original Thirteen Colonies
The thirteen colonies that became the original 13 states in the United States of America are:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
- South Carolina
- Virginia
How Americans Celebrate the Independence Day
Americans celebrate this holiday in a variety of ways. Activities commonly include:
- We attend Fourth of July parades.
- Picnics with family and friends are a must. Americans consume millions of hamburgers and hot dogs today.
- You can also watch patriotic movies.
Fourth of July Factiods
- The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 representatives of the 13 colonies.
- An estimated 25,000 ro 30,000 American soldiers died in battle during the Revolutionary War. And, another estimated 17,000 died from disease.
- In 1776, there were 2.5 million U.S. residents.
- In 2019, there were an estimated 328 million Americans.
- The American flag was authorized in 1777. It contained 13 red and white stripes and 13 stars on a field of blue.
- In 1783, Boston, MA becomes the first city to designate the Fourth of July as an official holiday.
- The first Fourth of July parade was held in Bristol, RI.
- President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.
- In 1941, the Fourth of July was proclaimed a paid federal holiday.
- The current U.S. flag was chosen in 1960.
- 90% of today’s fireworks are imported from China.
Independence Day Quote
“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president..” – – Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History
In addition to the Independence Day, here are a couple of other things that happened on March 15:
President Thomas Jefferson announces the Louisiana Purchase. The price tag: $15M, about 4 cents per acre. (1803)
In Paris, the French government presents the Statue of Liberty to the United States. (1884)
Geraldo Rivera, journalist, Talk show host was born on this day in 1943.
Related Holidays
More July 4 Holidays
Here are more July 4 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
Sidewalk Egg Frying Day– Hmmmm, I wonder why!?!
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Giant Sunflowers
Recipe of the Day: Fudge Sundae Pie
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Did You Know? In addition to Independence Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. August holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.