US Independence Day (04/07)

Independence Day — is the day of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared US independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain — is considered the birthday of the United States as a free and independent country. Most Americans call this holiday simply by its date — Fourth of July.

On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, which was signed by Second Continental Congress President John Hancock and Continental Congress Secretary Charles Thomson.

At that time, residents of the 13 British colonies that were located along the east coast of today's United States were at war with the English king and parliament because they believed that they were treating them unfairly. The war began in 1775.

During the course of the hostilities, the colonists realized that they were fighting not just for better treatment, but for freedom from English rule. This was clearly stated in the Declaration of Independence, which was signed by the leaders of the colonies. For the first time in an official document, the colonies were called the United States of America.

The day is full of festive events (Photo: Maridav, licensed from Shutterstock.com)

The celebration in honor of the date of signing the Declaration of Independence began on the very first anniversary. In 1870, the US Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees, and in 1938, Congress changed the status of the day to a paid federal holiday.

Currently, the Fourth of July national holiday is full of fireworks, picnics and other outdoor activities, as well as concerts and patriotic speeches, festivals and historical reconstructions.

Neighboring areas of Canada, as well as Guatemala, the Philippines and a number of European countries, are joining the friendly celebration.

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