Fourth of July

Fourth of July is a popular name for Independence Day, a U.S. holiday in commemoration of July 4, 1776, the day on which the original 13 colonies of the United States declared independence from British rule with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

It’s also called July Fourth or simply the Fourth. It’s a patriotic holiday that’s often celebrated with parades, family gatherings, fireworks, and displays of red, white, and blue decorations, especially the American flag.

It’s not that silly of a question. Independence Day is always on July 4. However, it is a U.S. federal holiday, meaning that when July 4 falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the Friday immediately before, and when July 4 falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the Monday immediately after.

In 2022, Independence Day will be observed on Monday, July 4.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. Two days later, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, and this date, July 4, is the one that’s celebrated as Independence Day.

The fighting in what became known as the American Revolution had started earlier, in 1775, and lasted until 1781, with the war officially ending in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris.

The Fourth of July has been celebrated since the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, in 1777, and the Independence Day tradition of fireworks is believed to date back to this first celebration. However, Independence Day didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870.

Because Independence Day is a federal holiday, many people do not work that day. Along with firework displays, popular ways to celebrate include parades, concerts, sporting events, and cookouts.

However, some Americans object to celebrating the holiday, especially due to the fact that the Declaration of Independence did not result in freedom and equality for African Americans, Native Americans, and other people of color. Relatedly, Juneteenth (the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.) is sometimes referred to as Black Independence Day, especially by Black Americans.

������ are some terms that often get used in discussing the Fourth of July?

• Independence Day
• Declaration of Independence
• United States of America
• England
• Britain
• colony
• freedom
• patriotism
• holiday
• fireworks

In the U.S., Independence Day is popularly called the Fourth of July, and sometimes simply the Fourth. It’s a patriotic holiday that’s often celebrated in patriotic ways, such as parades. However, it’s not celebrated by all Americans, especially those who believe that the U.S. has a history of injustice that’s contradictory to the holiday’s focus on freedom.

Happy Fourth of July from the White House Historical Association!

Here, fireworks burst above the North Portico on July 4, 1966. Fireworks are a cherished Independence Day tradition, and the National Mall provides a fitting centerpiece for these celebrations across the country.

— White House History (@WhiteHouseHstry)

ICYMI: 's festivities will include a fireworks 🎆 display on Saturday, July 3 near followed by the Arlington Independence Day Parade in on Monday, July 5. 🇺🇸

— City of Arlington (@CityOfArlington)

I have no issue with People who still celebrate the 4th. Just know the history of this day and what was going on outside of the textbooks. Before you hate on someone who won’t celebrate “independence day”.

— Mandy🌻 (@mandyt_21)

True or False?

The Fourth of July commemorates the end of the American Revolution.