4th of July 2018: What is Independence Day? What is the meaning behind Fourth of July?
Independence Day is the national day of the United States, recognising American tradition, government and the country’s rich history. Celebrations on 4th of July are observed by Americans throughout the USA, and officially marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation. To mark the occasion, Americans hold parties to set off fireworks and share food. Traditionally, the federal holiday involves parades, as well as speeches from political figureheads such as the President.
What is the meaning behind the Fourth of July? Independence Day has its roots in the American revolutionary war, when the people of the United States colonies fought against oppressive British rule. During the second year of the revolutionary war, on July 2 1776, 13 representatives from the North American colonies of the Kingdom of Great Britain voted for independence from the crown. Two days following the vote, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the United States of America came to be.
GETTY Independence Day celebrations 2018: Why is the 4th of July so important in the USA?
GETTY The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776
The Declaration of Independence document has since been held as America’s most significant national treasure, however it was not always treated well. During the burning of Washington DC in 1814, the document barely managed to escape unscathed. However during the Second World War, the declaration was delivered to Fort Knox for safeguarding, under special orders from the United States Secret Service. Currently, the declaration resides in the National Archives at Washington DC in a bulletproof shrine, and is lowered into a concrete and steel bunker during the night.
GETTY Fireworks are the traditional way Americans will celebrate Independence Day
American Independence Day: 10 facts about the Fourth of July Mon, July 4, 2016 Ten facts about American Independence Day celebrated on the 4th July. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 14 Happy Fourth of July