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Fourth of July re-directs here. For alternate uses, see 4th of July (disambiguation).:For the Independence Days of other countries, see Independence Day. For other uses of the term "Independence Day", see Independence Day (disambiguation). In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July" or simply "the Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.
Why the fourth?
Observance What is celebrated Despite the genesis of Independence Day, it is largely uncommon for Americans to express anti-British sentiment on the day or to view it as a celebration of anti-colonialism (it is also unusual to remember the aid given to the Americans by European powers such as France and the Dutch Republic). Indeed, most Americans today consider the United Kingdom a close ally. Rather than specifically as an opportunity to commemorate the end of British rule in the 18th century, contemporary Americans generally perceive the holiday as a celebration of the USA itself and the political values that motivated the United States Declaration of Independence, including the explicit principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Customs Independence Day, as the only holiday celebrating the United States as a whole, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Fourth of July celebrations often occur in the outdoors. Independence Day is considered a federal holiday, which usually means that all non-essential federal institutions (like the U.S. Postal Service, court systems, etc) are closed on the Independence Day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, society and people. Speeches and editorials may invoke Revolutionary War themes such as United States founding fathers (such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Washington and others), the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, and democratic principles such as liberty, freedom, equality under the law, inalienable rights, and representative government. Families often mark the Fourth of July with a picnic or barbecue, and often gather with family relatives, taking advantage of the three day weekend or day off from work. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) generally are colored red, white, and blue due to the colors of the American Flag. Parades are often held Independence Day morning, baseball games are usually held (July 4th being nearly halfway into the baseball season), and the evening is usually marked by displays of fireworks at public parks. Some other Independence Day traditions concurrent with these events include face painting for the children and tossing of a football or frisbee. Fireworks Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by a pops orchestra playing patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and the "1812 Overture". Some of these songs include lyrics that recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812. "The Star-Spangled Banner", also the USA's national anthem, commemorates the United States flag that was visible by the light of the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. This view of the flag throughout the night of bomb bursts was inspiring to the captive Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and it provided hope concerning the ability of the United States to competently defend Fort McHenry. Firework shows are often held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Concerns about safety have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed, but illicit traffic brings plenty of firecrackers in from less restrictive states, showing that the American people have nevertheless found a way to celebrate "with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations." Most fireworks shows in the United States end in a grand finale, where an intense volley of fireworks is rapidly launched almost simultaneously. Major displays are held in New York and Boston harbors and on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario also hosts one of the largest fireworks displays in the world over the Detroit River each year in celebration of both American Independence Day and Canada Day during the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival. Picnics and barbecues
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