Important Facts about Independence Day
The history of American holidays, their appearance and further development of celebration traditions are always accompanied by interesting facts. For example, the Fourth of July also known as Independence Day is replete with conspiracy, strive for freedom, and revolutionary events. Before the celebration gained a federal holiday status in 1941, it had been observed throughout the USA as a holiday devoted to commemorating the birth of American Independence since 1776.
There is an interesting fact that the Forth of July isn’t only the day of adoption of the Declaration of Independence but also the day of death of the Declaration’s founders - John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the US President James Monroe and day of birth of the 30th President of the USA - Calvin Coolidge.
Historical Overview of Independence Day
The American Revolution of the year 1775 has led to dramatic changes of the US history and life of its nation in general. It has served as a breeding ground for the development of radical parties that desired a complete separation from Great Briton and later the affirmation of the Resolution of Independence proposed by Richard Henry Lee. On July 2, the Committee of Five (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and Robert R. Livingston) voted for independence and two days later officially adopted one of the most important historic documents the Declaration of Independence. The content of the document was largely written by Thomas Jefferson and was aimed at protecting the rights of the people.
The Forth of July Celebrations
Early celebrations of Independence Day started immediately after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Though, the 18th century traditions to commemorate the holiday differed from those that Americans have nowadays. At first, there was a tradition to hold mock funerals for King George III, which was interpreted as the fall of monarchy on the premises of the USA and proclamation of liberty. Later on, bonfires, parades, speechmaking, concerts, and public readings of the Declaration started to annually take place on the Fourth of July.
Nowadays, Independence Day is not only a federal holiday or plus one day off but also a reminder of a great American history. Once the Thirteen Colonies managed to unite and to fight for freedom. Today, we are responsible for carrying this great feeling of patriotism.
Modern celebrations of the Forth of July are associated with huge fireworks, parades, time spent with family members, wearing clothes with the images of the American flag, sounding of the national anthem and The Star-Spangled Banner. Each American is very proud of he/she is!