Independence Day

July 4

The 4th of July, 1776 is the day when the United States of America got its independence from the Kingdom of Britain. Since then, the Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July or the Glorious fourth, has been celebrated all over the country. The independence was achieved after the congress ratified the official separation of the American colonies from the British rule. Although the separation from the British occurred on 2nd July, 1776, the Congress approved it two days later.

The celebration of the Independence Day is done with traditional gaiety and fervor. There are family reunions, parades, concerts, fireworks all around. The day is a national holiday and hence, all the offices, school, colleges and other business and non-essential government institutions remain closes. Political leaders address patriotic rallies. The rich cultural heritage of the country is discusses. The diversity and uniqueness of the country is also stressed. Exhibitions enlightening about the important periods of the country are displayed in the community halls. Patriotic songs like the national anthem like ‘God Bless America’, ‘America the beautiful’, ‘This Land is Your Land’, ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’, reverberate all around. Many kites and balloons with typical red, white and blue colors of the American flag hog the skylines. The day starts with the morning parades and ends with the fireworks in the night, although in some places restrictions are imposed about them due to security reasons. Gun shots are also fired to commemorate the occasion.

Food is also part of the celebration of the Independence Day. Families and friends often hold parties or go on a picnic as the day is a holiday. Even the hotels and restaurants make special dishes for their customers. Concerts are also held in places. The children also take part in the Independence Day celebration as an occasion for fun and frolic. All in all – this is day that signifies the fond remembrance of the bygones days in a carnival atmosphere.

Although the Independence Day is an occasion of merriment and joy, it is also the yearly celebration of the bravery and determination of the founding fathers of the country. The American people take great pride in their history and tradition and the independence of the country is an epic juncture in the progress of the nation. On this day, they commemorate the sacrifices made leaders of the time in making the country independent and united.