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Improving Your Knowledge of Independence Day

The history of Independence Day traces back to the colonists' separation from Great Britain. Tired of living as subordinates, the colonists began to rebel. On June fourth, 1776, the Continental Congress moved forward with the first motion for independence. A month later (July 2nd), the Congress cast a second vote of support. Finally, on July 4th, the words of the Declaration were altered to clearly reflect the move for independence from Great Britain. Our modern celebrations of Independence Day commemorate this motion towards American independence.

Independence Day
Because the US and the United Kingdom are strong allies today, current celebrations of July 4th aren't so much a celebration of anti-colonialism as they had been in the past. Instead, this holiday revels in the triumph of America itself. Americans dedicate July 4th as a day for holding ceremonies and festivals that celebrate the beliefs declared and upheld within the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Independence Day is a federal holiday.

Why Independence Day Is Celebrated On the 4th?
Why is July 4th the day we celebrate American independence if America wasn't yet a separate entity from England at that time? Mistakenly, many think that July 4th is the day that American officially gained independence.

However, America became an independent entity on July 2nd. July 4th is the day the country adopted the Declaration of Independence. Yet, this document wasn't signed until August 2nd.

Another interesting myth associated with the July 4th is that the sweet chimes of freedom rang powerfully from the Liberty Bell as it sang of new independence. Actually, the Liberty Bell did not even receive its name until the nineteenth century. In fact, it was not a part of America's initial separation from Britain at all.

One interesting truth about the July 4th is that both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (U.S. presidents who both signed the Declaration of Independence) died on this day in 1826, 50 years after the original document was signed.

Celebrating July 4th
People all over the US celebrate July 4th with a multitude of parties and celebrations. Some of the most popular ways to enjoy this holiday include:

• baseball games
• barbeques
• bonfires
• concerts
• fireworks
• hot dog eating contests
• parades
• parties
• picnics
• watermelon eating contests.

Other traditional celebrations around the country include:

• America's Freedom Festival at Provo (boasting one of the largest parades in the country)
• American Indian Rodeo (Arizona)
• Boston Pops concert (near the Charles River)
• Candle Floating Ceremony (hundreds of candles float on the water in Pennsylvania)
• Macy's Fireworks Display (NYC)
• NASCAR racing events
• Nathan's hot dog eating contests.

Fireworks and July 4th Fireworks, of course, have come to symbolize the sounds of war and the beauty of victory. Each year, Americans gather to watch fireworks displays or set off their own fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. In fact, fireworks have their roots in China. According to popular belief, a Chinese chef threw together some ingredients (Potassium nitrate, coal and sulpher) and lit them on fire. The result was a colorful set of flames that was later put in bamboo shoots and eventually made its way to the US.

Not only do people across the country attend spectacular festivals, but they also proudly wear red, white and blue, paying tribute to the flag and all it stands for. Perhaps, though, the many local Independence Day parades that happen nationwide truly represent the meaning of the day. As diverse groups of people converge, the vision of unified diversity within the parade symbolizes the great melting pot that America represents. The colors, the music, the spirit and the unity associated with all July 4th celebrations reminds us of how priceless our freedom and independence are.