4th of July Celebrating Independence !

Independence Day,

commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday States in of the United America the

commemorating

adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.Americans regard their freedom and their democracy as a blessing from their forefathers, who worked to establish the United States of America as a free country. That is why, from 1776 until the present day, people from United States of America celebrate the 4th of July as the birth of America with typical festivities from fireworks, parades or concerts to more casual family activities. Back in time Great Britains decision to make the colonists follow more rules and pay higher taxes has lead to the fact that the colonists desired the independence from Great Britain. So, they began making plans in order to be able to make their own rules. On June 7, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia where the Virginia delegate, Richard 1

Henry Lee, introduces a motion calling for the colonies independence. Even if the vote on Lees resolution was postponed, the Congress appointed a five-man committee, in which were Thomas Jefferson from Virginia, John Adams from Massachusetts, Roger Sherman from Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin from Pennsylvania and Robert Livingston from New York, in order to draft a formal state which can justify the break with Great Britain. The day of 2nd July was the one when the Continental Congress voted for Lees resolution for independence. On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife: July 2 will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. On July 4th, The Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, written largely by Thomas Jefferson, who selected the best ideas and put them neatly. The Congress then decided that this declaration should be signed by all members. So, on August 2nd, 1776, they all began signing the official document and sent it in copies, in January of the next year, to all of the states. Although the vote for the actual independence was on July 2nd, the day that was celebrated as the birth of American Independence was July 4th. Symbols of Americas independence The first symbol of Americas independence and commitment to certain ideas is The Declaration of Independence. It is the document which tells to everyone what it is important for the country and for the citizens. Also, when Americans look at this Declaration, they immediately think at those who have fought in order for them to be free and equal and, in addition, they think at the goals they should always be working for. Another symbol is the American Flag. "The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice." (Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress).1 "The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."1

The Statue of Liberty is another symbol of 4th July. This statue is an universal symbol of liberty. Originally, it has been a symbol of friendship between France an U.S. and for theis mutual desire for liberty, but over the years it has become much more. How americans celebrate 4th July As a national holiday, Independence Day it is marked by patriotic displays. Similar to the summer-themed events, this day it is often celebrated outdoors. On this day, federal institutions, like postal service and federal courts, are closed, because it is a federal holiday. Furthermore, pliticians appear at public events in order to praise the nations heritage, laws, society and people. In the morning, there are generally parades, while there are fireworks displays occur in the evening ar such places as parks, fairgrounds or town squares. This fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs suck as the national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, America is Beautiful or Stars ans Striped Forever, and regionally Yankee Doodle in northeastern and Dixie in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images from the Revolutionary war or the War of 1812. Fireworks shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. In 2009, New York City had the largest fireworks display in the country, with over 22 tons of pyrotechnics exploded. Generally, families celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending picnics or barbecues and are enjoying the day off and, when this day happens to be on Friday, they

gather some relatives.Not only families, but all the country uses a lot of decarotions in this day. They are colored like the flag, in red, white and blue.

Another custom is called a salute to the union and it means a salute of a gun for each state in the United Stated, fired on Independence Day at noon by any capable millitary base. The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American travel period of the year, as many people utilize the holiday for extended vacation trips. To sum up, falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has become since the late 19 th century a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor activities. Commemorating Independence Day means to Americans a way of showing respect for those who truly worked in order to give the later Generations the freedom of showing their opinions and the freedom of choosing what they want, for those who set them free from Great Britain.

Bibliography 1. House of Representatives Our flag, 1989 2. Alice Dalgliesh The Fourth of July Story, 1956 3. 4. symbol 5. 6. 7. 8. http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-why.html http://history.com/topics/july-4th http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States) http://huliq.com/10017/true-meaning-4th-july-and-famous-celebratory-quotes http://www.usflag.org/colors.html http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/statue-liberty-meaning-and-use-national-

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