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. Also called the Fourth of July, the holiday is celebrated across the United States with parades, fireworks shows, picnics, concerts, and other festivities. Independence Day is also notable for its displays of patriotism, as many Americans commemorate the day by flying the American flag and dressing in the flag’s colors of red, white, and blue. ‘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 There are many events planned for Fourth of July and the weekend of July 5th and 6th, 2025. First, Thursday July 3rd, there will be two holiday weekend kickoff events in Calaveras County. The This Independence Day, skip the ordinary and step into history. Did you know that the very first recorded 4th of July celebration in North Carolina took place right here in Winston-Salem’s beloved Old Salem? Back in 1783, just weeks after the Revolutionary War had ended, Governor Alexander Martin proclaimed July 4th a day of thanksgiving and peace. The Moravian community of Salem celebrated On Friday, July 4, the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the culmination of the sixteen-day independence celebration. A year later, the United States of America turned one year old, and the very first Fourth of July celebration was held in the city of Philadelphia. To celebrate the newfound independence of 13 states, ships lined up on the Delaware River and fired 13 cannon shots. But that wasn’t all. John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Friday marks “America’s Birthday,” as many around Georgia are getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July. Plenty of events, including parades, festivals and firework shows, are scheduled to take place in and around the metro Atlanta area. Stone Mountain While it’s only been a paid federal holiday since 1938, the Fourth of July has been celebrated by Americans stretching back to that first momentous day in 1776—and yes, fireworks were involved. Today, the Fourth of July conjures up visions of parades, cookouts, waving flags, and brilliantly colored fireworks. Oh, the fireworks. Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol, Rhode Island began long before the day became a federal holiday. Celebrate this 4th of July weekend with fireworks, First Fridays and live music, along with grand openings, USO tributes and more. 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. Cannons rained The First Fourth of July Celebration at the President's House Although John Adams was the first president to occupy the Executive Mansion in November 1800, it was Thomas Jefferson who first celebrated the Fourth of July at the White House in 1801. On July 4, 1801, the White House held its first Fourth of July party. The first Horribles Parade was held on July 4, 1851, in Lowell, Massachusetts—a comical send-up of a stuffy military organization called the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts or the “Ancient and Honorables.” The oldest Fourth of July parade in the United States is held in Bristol, Rhode Island. It has been celebrated every year since 1785, just a few years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 4 2nd Annual Red, White, & BOOM: This is a family-friendly 4th of July celebration featuring live music, food trucks, and fun activities. Plus Fireworks, of course. The first 4th of July celebration happened in 1777 in Philadelphia. The city marked the first anniversary with a thirteen-gun salute, festivities, and fireworks, establishing traditions that continue today. [Learn more: 50 Fun Facts About Philadelphia] Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4th, 1826. Americans across all 50 states are prepping for the Fourth of July and, of course, the rousing celebrations that come with it. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have 1. The first 4th of July celebration happened in 1777 in Philadelphia. The city marked the first anniversary with a thirteen-gun salute, festivities, and fireworks, establishing traditions that
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