Independence Day celebrates the birthday of the United States of
America. Founded July 4th 1776, with the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, America is celebrating it's 233rd birthday this year
(2009)
Independence Day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Like other summer events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institution (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians try to appear on this day at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.
Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off, in some years, long weeekend to gather with relatives. Decoration (e.g. streamers, balloons, and clothing)are coloured red, white and blue, the colours of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds or town squares.
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs. Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold foe personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban firework or limit the sizes and types allowed. A salute of one gun for each state in the United States, called a salute to the union, is fired only on Independence Day at noon. While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary according to which day of the week the 4th falls on. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Americal colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continantal Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposedin June by Richard Henry Lee of Viginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaing this decision, which had been prepared by a committee but with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. So, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed sesion of Congress.