Independence Day (U.S.)

USA Public Holidays On July 4 Americans celebrate their country’s birthday

USAOn July 4, 1776, the United States of America proclaimed its independence from England by signing the Declaration of Independence.

While the signing of the Declaration itself was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday is seen as the official anniversary of U.S. independence.

Although Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of independence in 1777 with spontaneous celebrations in the streets of Philadelphia, the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day" wasn't until 1791 and Independence Day celebrations only became common after the War of 1812.

By the 1870’s, Independence Day had become the most important secular holiday on the American calendar and has transformed into what is known as the 4th of July today.

In 1870, The U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees, though it wasn't until 1941 that Congress declared Independence Day to be a paid federal holiday.

This Independence Day, there will be parades, barbeques, picnics and fireworks throughout the country.

Facts about the Fourth of July

  • The estimated amount of hot dogs eaten by Americans on the Fourth of July is 150 million.
  • There is a 49 percent chance that the beans on an American plate for a Fourth of July picnic came from North Dakota or Michigan.
  • There is a 60 percent chance that the corn on the cob eaten by an American for a Fourth of July picnic came from California, Florida, Georgia or New York .
  • One-half of the potatoes made for chips or salad at an Independence Day cookout were grown in Idaho or Washington.
  • Approximately 74 million Americans participated in a Fourth of July barbecue in 2006.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Upcoming National Holidays in USA
February 15, 2010: Presidents Day
May 24, 2010: Memorial Day
July 5, 2010: Independence Day
September 6, 2010: Labor Day
October 11, 2010: Columbus Day
November 11, 2010: Veterans Day

Translate this page
Powered by Google

Bookmark with:
delicious  reddit  stumbleupon  facebook  diggit