VOA News Subscribe. July 4: A Holiday of Fireworks and History. More US Stories. The Day in Photos. November 11, All About America. You may also like. The anniversary of American independence is July 2, not July 4.
In , after years of unfair taxation and imperial control, complaints against the British crown had reached a fever pitch in the 13 American colonies. War had begun to look inevitable and so, in September, delegates from the colonies met to discuss their grievances in what they called the Continental Congress.
Just 80 words long, the Lee Resolution proposed the dissolution of any political connection between Great Britain and the colonies. Although most delegates supported independence, the proposal was not guaranteed to pass unanimously, so members held off on voting. As delegates lobbied their home states to support the resolution, five men got to work on an accompanying document that laid out the reasons colonists wanted to sever ties with Britain.
They nominated Jefferson to pen the first draft of what is now known as the Declaration of Independence. Here are nine common myths about the American Revolution. In little more than two weeks, Jefferson churned out a draft that drew on a variety of other documents , including some of the up to similar declarations that had been circulating in the buildup to the Lee Resolution.
But a test vote conducted on July 1 was anything but unanimous. Pennsylvania and South Carolina hoped there was still a chance to reconcile with Britain; they voted against independence. And New York abstained—its delegates were under orders not to impede a possible reconciliation. The next day, on July 2, the delegates tried again. This time, the vote had a different outcome.
Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations. There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays.
This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables. In , people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, , the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, , the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published.
The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, Of the printed copies of the Declaration made by John Dunlap the Dunlap Broadsides , only 27 are accounted for.
It traveled the country on display to the public for ten years. Where was George Washington when the Declaration of Independence was written? In July , Washington was in New York with his troops.
On July 9, he received his copy of the Declaration with a note from John Hancock telling Washington to share the news with his soldiers. Shortly after this, the British, as Washington expected, attacked the colonists and the American Revolution was under way.
The colonists fought eight long, hard years —83 for independence from Britain. Instead, in , the electors unanimously voted him in as the first president of the United States. Because it was such an honor, and he felt a great duty to his country, he accepted. As he took his oath standing on the balcony of Federal Hall, the crowd broke into cheers. The members of his first Cabinet included Thomas Jefferson as secretary of state and Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the treasury.
In the United States, Independence Day is a federal holiday traditionally observed with parades, concerts, picnic food , and fireworks. Take a look at our Fourth of July recipes to have a delicious picnic or barbecue—and for a list of patriotic desserts! Also, be sure to check the American Flag Guidelines so that you can proudly and properly display your flag. How do YOU celebrate the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments—and have a Happy Independence Day, America! Fourth of July used to be a neighborhood block party with a BBQ and potluck with adults visiting, games for the kids and music.
Now the fourth and the weeks prior to and after are all about ear-piercing explosives, fireworks that soar over homes and skies filled with putrid smoke. The following morning, the streets are littered with fireworks debris making the neighborhood look like a war zone. The casualties are a terror-filled night for pets and veterans, stressed wildlife, injuries and possible loss of home and property due to fireworks-related fires.
In my opinion, there is not much to celebrate this year. All the fuss made over having to wear masks and the decision not to not get the Covid vaccine disgusts me. The greatest generation never would have never been so selfish. They believed in working together for the greater good. No matter how we all celebrate our Independence, may one and all have a wonderful time. But most of all, teach yourselves and your family young ones about the true history of our nation and the price for freedom.
We all need to be aware of our nation, both its weaknesses of the past and its strengths. It was the Committee of the Whole in the 2nd Continental Congress that did the heavy editing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson stated it was only Adams' and Franklin's editing he respected. Also a copy of Jefferson's rough draft can be found in his autobiography. This year, as opposed to all previous years since the declaration was first introduced, it is imperative that we come together as a nation and celebrate our freedom and independence, and remind those in power here that we are willing to stand for our freedom no matter the costs.
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