Independence Day 2013
Independence Day is also known as The Fourth of July and it is the National Day of the United States. Its significance is historical and dates back in the 18th century, namely in 1776 when the Thirteen Colonies legally became separated from Great Britain and formed The United States of America.
These colonies were: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.
The next step was to declare their independence. The day when the Congress approved the Declaration of Independence was July 4th, 1776, a glorious day which marked the legal existence of the United States. The event took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Among those who signed the Declaration of Independence were two future presidents of the United States (Thomas Jefferson and John Adams) and other important names as: Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston.
The Declaration was based on modern principles and sustained that all people “are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” However it was declared a federal legal holiday only on July 4th, 1941.
Modern Day Independence Day
Nowadays the Independence Day is celebrated by all the Americans in every corner of the earth. Like other American holidays, also the Independence Day is celebrated in family, being a good reason for family, relatives and friends to gather and attend a picnic or a barbecue in the open. Americans eat hot dogs, hamburgers and generally grilled food.
Usually in the morning parades are being organized. One of the most commemorative events that take place during the parade is the 13 gun salute, the number 13 being related to the 13 colonies which proclaimed their independence. Another important part of these parades are the mini-concerts where patriotic songs are sung: This Land is Your Land, God Bless America, Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle, America the Beautiful etc.
But of course the attraction of the holiday is in the evening when fireworks displays start. In big cities like: New York, Chicago, Detroit, Boston and Los Angeles fascinating shows occur. Thousands of people gather downtown to watch the spectacular view.
Between the most well-known decorations are the flag and everything related to its colors (white, red and blue), balloons and decorations. Many families hung the American flag outside of their home. Other symbols of the National Day are: the Liberty Bell which rung on that day and The Statue of Liberty.
This year the Americans will celebrate The Independence Day on Wednesday July 4th, 2013.
