July 4th. Independence Day – A Little Bit of History

This day is more than parades and fireworks. On July 4^th, the United States celebrates its freedom and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  

On July 4^th, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the 13 American colonies would no longer be part of the British Empire and would break away to form a new nation: The United States of America.

In 1791 the first historically recorded “Independence Day” was observed.

In 1870, the United States Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.

In 1938, the United States Congress declared Independence Day a paid federal holiday.

Independence Day traditions include:

·      Parades

·      Fireworks

·      Picnics

·      Cookouts

·      Wearing patriotic gear

·      Decorating with American flags

A salute of one gun for each state in the United States, called a “salute to the union”, is fired at noon on military bases.

Happy 4^th of July!