USA Independence Day 2021: History, Significance and Celebrations

USA Independence Day 2021: This year marks the 245th celebration of the American national holiday and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the US in 1776.

Unites States of Independence Day was first celebrated in 1777 which was featured with stars and stripes. There is a federal holiday in honour of the Declaration of Independence. On 4 July, 1776 the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the delegates from the 13 colonies was commemorated.

On 2 July, Congress had voted in favour of independence from Great Britain but the process of revising the Declaration of Independence was not completed. Originally, the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston, until two days later. 

This is an occasion for parties, barbecues, fireworks, fairs, picnics, concerts, etc. Do you know that this is the most significant national holiday in the American calendar with full of patriotic feelings?

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USA Independence Day: History

In April 1775, Revolutionary War broke out. People in New England began fighting for their independence and were considered radical. When the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House later known as Independence Hall on 7 June in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies' independence.

Then, on 2 July Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain, and the final wording of the Declaration for Independence was approved on 4 July, 1776, and the document was published.

On 8 July, 1776 the first reading of the declaration document was made and on 2 August, 1776 delegates started signing the Independence declaration.

Independence Day was an unpaid holiday for the federal employees in 1870 but in 1941 it became a paid holiday.

Interesting is that on 3 July, 1776 John Adams sent a letter to his wife Abigail describing how celebration should be done for Independence Day. He suggested "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" can be done on this day.

Note: Until 1791 the term "Independence Day" is not used. Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers.

USA Independence Day: Celebration

The day is a family celebration with picnics and barbeques. Some activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities, and tug-of-war games. Various people, on this day, display the American flag outside their homes and buildings. Several communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music, etc.

So, now we come to know about USA Independence Day, why is it celebrated, how is it celebrated, etc.

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