Independence Day happens every year on the 4th of July. American’s have been celebrating Independence Day since the first Independence Day, on the 4th of July 1776. But, you might be wondering why? Before we get to ask, ‘Why do Americans celebrate Independence Day?’ let us look at what happens on Independence Day.
There are a lot of ways that American’s celebrate Independence Day. These include things such as fireworks, baseball games, concerts and barbeques. Celebrations happen throughout the day and the night on Independence Day. It is one of the most important dates on the US calendar.
Independence Day happens to celebrate America as a nation. On the 4th of July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was adopted by the Continental Congress. The declaration stated that the thirteen American colonies, which were part of the British Empire at the time, were now a new nation. Free from the British Empire.
Essentially, this was the birth of the United States as we now know it. It was the birth of a new country; The United States of America. Independence Day is now the National Day of the United States of America. The National Day of a country is a day that is to mark nationhood. Or, the celebration of a nation state.
The American Revolution against the British Empire was the start of America’s journey towards independence. The American Revolution took place from 1765 to 1783. It was a revolt of the thirteen American colonies, from American patriots, towards the British Empire.
The revolt happened over a disagreement about tax between the British Parliament and the American colonial society. The society argued that there should be no taxation without representation. From thereon in, protests began throughout the country. Eventually leading to the revolution. And then the Declaration of Independence, which gave us Independence Day.
Now that you know some of the background history about Independence Day and how Independence Day started, let us look at some facts surrounding Independence Day.
#1 America Gained Its Independence On The 2nd of July
Although Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th of July, America actually gained its independence from the British Empire on the 2nd of July. The 4th of July is when the Declaration of Independence was ratified. This is why we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July.
However, the vote was cast two days earlier, on the 2nd of July. With no opposing votes cast. Therefore, there was a unanimous decision by the thirteen colonies on the 2nd of July which saw the agreement of backing a newly independent country – America.
#2 Eerie 4th Of July Coincidences
There are a number of eerie coincidences which centre around the 4th of July. Two of these surround the deaths of the two giants of the Declaration of Independence. The two giants of the Declaration of Independence were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
#3 The Liberty Bell
Contrary to popular opinion, the Liberty Bell has nothing to do with the 4th of July. The Liberty Bell wasn’t called the Liberty Bell until the 1830s, long since the Declaration of Independence and the first Independence Day.
Also, it is in the 1830s, when the Liberty Bell got its crack. The Liberty Bell first cracked when it rang in Philadelphia for the first time. Although the bell isn’t directly to do with Independence Day, it is a symbol of freedom and justice. It is one of the world’s most famous landmarks of freedom and justice.
#4 Why Fireworks Are Used
You may be wondering why fireworks are used to celebrate Independence Day. Are they just used as part of the celebrations? Or do they have any special meaning attached to them? The latter is true, there is a specific reason why fireworks are used on the 4th of July.
Fireworks are used on the 4th of July because John Adams wanted them to be used as part of the celebration. John Adams wrote that Independence Day should be celebrated with ”…pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations…” the illuminations that he is talking about is illuminations in the sky. In other words, fireworks.
In Closing
These are just some of the facts surrounding Independence Day and why we celebrate it. Essentially, Independence Day is about our nation’s founding. It is about the birth of our nation, America. And the celebrations surrounding Independence Day is to celebrate that. Every year since 1776, American’s have celebrated Independence Day on the 4th of July.
It has got bigger and better since its formation on the 4th of July 1776. It started with 13 states coming together, to celebrate the great nation which is America. However, today, it goes beyond that. Today, 50 states in America celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. From East Coast to West Coast. From Southern states to Northern states, the 4th of July brings the country together, like at no other time of the year.
It unites us all and lets us celebrate as one our great nation. Celebrations are not just restricted to America. Americans overseas also celebrate Independence Day. Whether they are a student in another country, or a family that now lives in another country, many Americans overseas also celebrate Independence Day.
Independence Day is the largest national holiday of the year in America. There is plenty for you to do throughout the day and night. From going to one of the many parades around the country, to watch a major league baseball game. And enjoying some precious family time.
It can be a great way to catch up with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones. It’s also a great holiday to volunteer for those in need. Many charities look for people to help out at this time of year. Both animal charities and human charities look for people at this time of year. So why not volunteer and help others have a great day too!
