Independence Day - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
- 2. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by representatives from the 13 American colonies, declaring their independence from British rule.
- 3. Independence Day is typically celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, and other festivities across the country.
- 4. The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- 5. The Fourth of July became a federal holiday in 1941, making it a paid holiday for federal employees.
- 6. The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, which has been held since 1785.
- 7. The largest fireworks display in the United States is the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City, which attracts millions of spectators each year.
- 8. The Fourth of July is also a day for political speeches and ceremonies, with many politicians using the holiday as an opportunity to address the nation.
- 9. In addition to the United States, Independence Day is also celebrated in the Philippines, Rwanda, and Belarus, among other countries.
- 10. Independence Day is a time to reflect on the history and values of the United States, as well as to celebrate the freedoms and liberties that Americans enjoy.