| Independence Day is one of the two main national holidays in the USA. It is celebrated on the 4th of July. Appearance of two symbols of USA is linked with the Independence Day - Star-striped flag and “Bell of freedom".
Official version indicates that, on 4th of July. 1776, Delegates of Continental Congress (Forerunner of contemporary Congress) assembled in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence, which formally proclaimed that North American colonies of Great Britain are independent.
Independence Day is considered as date of birth of United States of America as a free and independent country. Many Americans call the holiday as per date – “Fourth of July”.
The holiday reminds that the Declaration of Independence was signed on 4.July.1776. At this time, inhabitants of 13 British colonies, which were located along the East coast of present day territory of United States of America, battled against British King and parliament since the colonies considered that they were ill-treated and unjust. War started in the year 1775. During the military actions, inhabitants of the colonies understood that, they are fighting not only for better treatment but also for freedom from British rule. This was clearly formulated in the Declaration of Independence, which was signed by all the heads of the colonies. For the first time in official document, colonies were called United States of America.
On this day, picnics and patriotic parades are organized and in the evening – concerts and fireworks. American flags are hoisted all over the places (Flag is hoisted on Commemoration Day and on other festivals too). On 4th July 1976 – 200th Independence Declaration anniversary was celebrated grandly throughout the country.
In the year 1870, US Congress declared 4th of July as national festival, which implies that all the State institutions shall remain closed. From 1938, State government employees started getting monetary allowance even for the festive holiday.
David Waldstreicher, Professor of history in the Temple University notes that, festive traditions started forming at the beginning of 19th century. Nowadays, Independence Day is celebrated by conducting parades, fireworks and family picnics. Region-specific pecularities also do exist. For example, march on foot upto the hill top Mount-Marathon is organised in city Seward (Alaska state). From 1818, populace of some cities in Pennsylvania manufacture candles during the winters and candle festival is organised on 4th of July every year. In Nebraska, several hundreds of flags are hoisted on the court building in the honor of Americans serving in armed forces of USA.
In 2007, Independence Day commemorated 231 years of signing the USA Independence Declaration. |
This Wednesday, 4th of July, America celebrates
its Independence Day. 231 years ago the Declaration of Independence was signed by the country's fathers, declaring independence from Great Britain.
