Independence Day

Independence Day, commonly referred to as the 4th of July is a holiday commemorating July 4, 1776 when the United Sates of America claimed independence from Great Britain. This day is marked by parades, barbecues, fireworks, concerts, picnics, baseball games, carnivals, political speeches and generally, events that celebrate the government and history of the United States as well as its great multiplicity of culture.

Following the American Revolution, the legal severance of the United States from Great Britain took place on July 2, 1776 when the 2nd Continental congress took a vote approving a proposal for independence. It had been tabled a month earlier by Richard Lee. The next item of business was the Declaration of Independence, the document that detailed the elements of the resolution.

It was prepared under the tutelage of Thomas Jefferson. Congress debated then revised this Declaration so that it was finally approved on July 4, the date known as Independence Day. As for actually putting pen to paper, most delegated signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776

A number of customs characterize Independence Day. This national, federal holiday is predominantly marked by outdoor events. Families celebrate this holiday by either hosting or attending barbecues and picnics

Most decorations are red, blue and white in color, depicting the national flag. Morning parades get the Independence Day festivities underway and fireworks displays light up the evening sky. These take place in venues such as parks, squares and fairgrounds so that as many peoples possible may jointly observe celebrate the heritage of their great nation. Patriotic songs accompany the Independence Day fireworks display, the most famous being the national anthem, ‘America the Beautiful’, ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’, ‘Yankee Doodle’ and ‘God Bless America’. Some of these songs vividly recall images of the War of 1812.  Major Independence Day fireworks displays are synonymous with the East River, Chicago, the Mississippi River, St. Louis, the National Mall, Washington D.C. and Lake Michigan Chicago. Although the official day of observance is July 4, levels of participation depend on the day of the week the fourth falls. If it falls centrally, the fireworks displays and Independence Day celebrations may occur over the weekend but this too varies with the region.

Another noteworthy event is Rainbow Family’s prayer for peace. It is patronized by between 10,000 and 25,000 people. It is commonly referred to as ‘Interdependence Day’ since participants, by choice, live in primitive conditions. They rely on one another for a whole week, living in State Forests. Prayer, meditation and silence mark the morning of Independence Day. The ‘I Love America’ Celebration deserves a mention. This Springfield vent features ‘Concert in the Sky’, ‘Living Flag’ a 4-hour air show and up to 100 games. These are just a sample of numerous common events.

As for the coincidences allied to Independence Day history, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, founding fathers of the nation, died on the same day, July 4 1826. They were the only people who signed the Declaration of Independence and went on to clinch the highest office in the land. Another former president, James Monroe, died in 1831 also on July 4.

Independence Day is a truly national event for all races, religions and groups resident in the United States of America. It symbolizes the power and freedom that characterize this great nation.