The following day, copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed, and on July 6, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the extraordinary document. On the fourth of July each year, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. The United States had become a sovereign and independent nation after six years of valor and sacrifice. The struggle to keep the torch of freedom lit to this day can be seen as one walks through National Mall and Memorial Parks. Since the Revolutionary War, the United States has fought many wars to defend freedom; all have come at a terrible cost. July 4, 1776: The day the American dream of independence was born and how it changed history The American Revolution was a turning point in modern history. It was one of the first successful US Independence Day: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July? Fireworks became a part of Independence Day celebrations the very first year the anniversary was celebrated, according to the channel. Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. The very first Independence Day celebration took place not on July 4 but on July 8! Celebrating Independence Day, 1776 to Today The first celebration took place in Philadelphia, site of the Declaration of Independence (and home of the Jack Miller Center), in 1776, mere days after the Declaration was signed. The celebration continued each year in Philadelphia and soon spread around the new nation. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, sometimes we forget that July 4th The population of the United States has grown almost 123 times since the first federal census was conducted after the Declaration of Independence. By the time Independence Day celebrations really took off after the War of 1812(another conflict pitting the United States against Britain), fireworks were even more widely available. The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence was first read in public, after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell. In October 1934 President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed the first Archivist of the United States, Robert Digges Wimberly Connor. The President told Connor that "valuable historic documents," such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, would reside in the National Archives Building. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Story of the Fourth of July The Declaration of Independence We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. ‘A good time’: A look at the nation’s first Fourth of July celebration held in Old Salem The first known celebration of Independence Day was held by the Moravians at Old Salem in 1783. How Independence Day is observed on Thursday, July 4, this year, and is considered a federal holiday. In total, 2025 has 12 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a significant and cherished national holiday in the United States. It commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from British rule on July 4, 1776. This historic event marked the birth of a new nation, founded on principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. Independence Day holds great cultural and patriotic Discover the fascinating history behind America’s birthday with these engaging facts about 4th of July. Independence Day is more than just fireworks and barbecues—it’s a celebration steeped in revolutionary history, patriotic traditions, and surprising stories that shaped the United States. So the first organized elaborate celebration of independence occurred the following day: July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia. Ships in the harbor were decked in the nation's colors. How old is America in 2025? Here's what to know about United States Independence Day and the meaning behind Fourth of July.
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