Independence Day (also known as Fourth of July or July Fourth) is one of the major statutory holidays in the United States. It is celebrated on July 4 every year to commemorate the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. . The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, adopted on July 4, 1776 by a special committee of the Continental Congress, and signed into effect by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress. The “Declaration of Independence” clearly stated that all human beings are created equal and have the natural right to pursue happiness and freedom. The Declaration of Independence is a great document of world historical significance. The day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted has also become a holiday commemorated forever by the American people, and is designated as Independence Day.
In September of the fifth year after the “Declaration of Independence” was published, the main force of the British army was defeated at Yorktown and forced to make peace with the United States. The first bourgeois republic appeared in America. Later, July 4 was designated as the National Day of the United States. On this day every year, grand ceremonies are held all over the United States, with singing and dancing, sports, parades and other activities. Early Independence Day celebrations were mainly parades and speeches, sometimes with certain religious color, and outdoor activities such as sports competitions were added later. There was a time when the American people set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate the National Day. After the 20th century, the government explicitly cancelled this form in order to prevent personal accidents and fires. Every year on Independence Day, church bells across the United States toll in unison, and the first to strike is the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Various floats, model cars, acrobatic cars and children’s toy cars line up with the joyful crowd.
Independence day main activities
On this day, the whole country and all families are happy, showing the patriotic enthusiasm of the American people. American Founding Father John Adams said that this holiday would be a major anniversary, one that should be remembered as a day of liberation… From coast to coast and forever, there should be great celebrations and parades. Shows, entertainment, sports competitions, gun salutes, bells, fireworks and lanterns all celebrate the day.
The 4th of July is also an important Citizenship Day, embodying a tradition deeply rooted in Anglo-American political freedom. Every year, crowds of tourists flock to the National Mall, the large lawn between Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument, to participate in the Smithsonian Folk Arts, which is always held two weekends around July 4. Festival (Smithsonian Folklife Festival) showcases cultures from different countries, Texas music, food and wine,etc.
On July 4th, large and small fireworks displays are held across the United States, from the National Lawn in the capital to local city parks. July 4th is also a day of family celebration. People usually go out to the countryside to have a picnic or barbecue outdoors. July is a hot summer in the United States, and thousands of Americans take advantage of the time to escape the heat at the beach or other vacation spots. Many statutory holidays in the United States are fixed on Monday or Friday, with the exception of Independence Day. Many office workers use their annual leave to enjoy a long weekend. Occasionally, some important public works are chosen to start on July 4th.
Ways of celebrating
The American people have always expressed joy in various ways. Independence Day in the United States is as solemn as religious and folk festivals. Before the festival, ordinary people clean their courtyards, decorate their homes, and hang the national flag. A great feature of Americans celebrating National Day is the high degree of spontaneous participation of the people. On this day, without the federal government’s mobilization call, some local and non-governmental organizations or community agencies will organize some ceremonial activities, such as float parades, setting off fireworks, etc., and hold various open-air art shows (performances), and ordinary Americans also very happy to participate. Early Independence Day celebrations were mainly parades and speeches, with a certain religious overtone. Later, outdoor activities and sports competitions were added. The activities of setting off firecrackers and fireworks were also very popular at one time, but were cancelled after the 20th century to prevent danger. Residents from all over the country spontaneously carried out celebration parades. Some dressed as old priests on horseback or noble ladies riding in ancient carriages to hold make-up parades; some formed small family bands to participate in the parade; All kinds of floats, model cars, acrobatic cars and children’s toy cars are lined up in a mighty line with the joyful crowd. The scene is very spectacular. The parade ends, and people often gather in parks or public places to celebrate the festival together. In the sound of music, people danced or had picnics, businessmen were busy selling souvenirs, pins, politicians took the opportunity to give election speeches, and children played various games on the grass.
Patriotism
Every Independence Day, America becomes a sea of flags. The patriotic enthusiasm of Americans shows a unique and strong value. They believe that the taxpayer is the master of the country. Under the domination of this consciousness, the American flag is almost “flooded” on hats, panties, bras, T-shirts, aprons, garlands, umbrellas, nail clippers, sneakers and Christmas gifts.
The United States is not only a multi-ethnic country, but also a multi-racial country. The United States has a complex racial composition, with different skin, eye, hair color, different physiques, cultural differences, political party conflicts, religious conflicts, and class disputes. But when disaster strikes, in the United States with different backgrounds and polarization between rich and poor, what is the force that unites and integrates these people from all over the world? There is only one answer: patriotism.
Throughout the history of the United States, only patriotism can form a broad “united front”, consolidate the regime and unite people’s hearts. Whether at home or abroad, whenever there are conflicts of interest and thorny contradictions and problems, those in power often try to find some common points and joint points that everyone can accept, hold high the great banner of patriotism, and have been stable and lasting for more than 200 years. Influenced by the patriotism of the past generations, an indestructible “American consciousness” has been built in the souls of generations of new and old immigrants. As a country of immigrants, perhaps nation and culture cannot serve as the basis for patriotism. Americans have had a sense of political institutional superiority and moral superiority from the very beginning of the nation. These two factors have jointly shaped American patriotism. American patriotism is based on shared political ideals or “political myths” that transcend racial and cultural diversity. Americans believe that the United States is the community they are part of building, and they are proud of the way they organize their community and honor those who have given their lives to that community. So on Veterans Day parades, veterans of any war are greeted with loud applause.
