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 Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 4, is a national holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This historic day marks the country’s official separation from British rule and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. The significance of this Federal holiday dates back to July 4th 1776, which is about 241 years ago with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress formed by thirteen American colonies. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the As people gained awareness and understood the true meaning of the event, celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration of Independence was written, Congress declared the "Fourth of July" to be a national holiday. By the 1870s, the Fourth of July was the most important secular holiday on the calendar. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870. Even far-flung communities on the western frontier managed to congregate on Independence Day. Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. The 4 th of July wasn’t immediately recognized as a national holiday, but by the 1870s, July 4 th became an important secular holiday that Americans looked forward to each year. On June 28, 1870, Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday. Throughout the decades, the Fourth of July became an important day for all Americans. Each year on July 4, the United States celebrates Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. For nearly 250 years, the country has been celebrating a day in history that inspires us still today. Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4th) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This event announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. US Independence Day, celebrated every July 4, marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when America declared freedom from British rule. The holiday is honored with fireworks In 1780, the United States Congress made July 4th an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1983, Congress officially declared it a paid holiday for federal employees. This is why non-essential federal institutions are closed on that day each year (including the postal service and federal courts). The original four holidays in 1870 were: New Year's Day Independence Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Years Day celebrates the beginning of the new calendar year on January 1. The July 4th Independence Day commemorates the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. Happy Fourth of July! The holiday, which celebrates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, has been an official federal holiday since 1870. But United States When is the next federal holidays? The next federal holiday is Independence Day. Independence Day is 2 days away and will be observed on Friday, July 4, 2025. Conclusion Independence Day remains America's quintessential national holiday, combining historical commemoration with contemporary celebration. From its origins in the courageous actions of the Founding Fathers to modern-day fireworks and family gatherings, July 4th continues to unite Americans in remembering their shared heritage and values. Independence Day in the United States is celebrated every year on July 4th. This national holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the original thirteen colonies formally declared their separation from British rule. Congress Acts, Then Acts Again Like many holidays, it took an act of Congress to transform a popular national celebration into a federally recognized holiday. In 1870, Congress passed H.R. 2224, establishing the Fourth of July as an unpaid federal holiday, as part of a bill that acknowledged other holidays like New Year's Day and Christmas. 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.
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