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When is USA Independence Day?
This national holiday is celebrated on the Fourth of July. If Independence Day falls on a weekend, then the previous Friday or following Monday will be a holiday.
As this is a Federal holiday, not only will schools and libraries be closed. Most federal and state offices will also be closed and there will be no mail deliveries on Independence Day.
History of USA Independence Day
On 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.
How is USA Independence Day celebrated?
This Independence Day, there will be parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks throughout the country.
USA Independence Day facts
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56 people signed the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the majority of it.
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The Declaration of Independence was signed by only two people on July 4 1776 - John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most added their signatures on August 2 1776
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Approximately 74 million Americans participated in a Fourth of July barbecue in 2006.
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The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the the Declaration of Independence.
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A note written upside down on the back of the Declaration of Independence document reads: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." Who wrote the note is unknown, though it is thought to have been used as a label.