4th of July is the day of American Independence; it is also the national and paid holiday in the country. This auspicious day is celebrated to venerate the declaration of independence from the British on 4th July 1776. The 56 founding fathers signed the order in 76 to declare the 13 colonies independent. That is one of the most awaited holidays in the United States of America; people from all religious and ethnic backgrounds come together to celebrate the birth anniversary of this great nation. Fireworks are customary, accompanied by family outings. Other things associated with the 4th of July American Independence Day are parades, baseball games, concerts, fairs, picnics, carnivals, barbeques, etc. This year 2017, marks the 242nd day of American Independence.

American Independence Day History :

The thirteen colonies that were part of the British united in declaring independence, and since that day, the 4th of July has been celebrated as the US Independence Day. The British colonies were established on the east bank of North America during the 17th and 18th Centuries. The thirteen colonies were: the Province of New Hampshire, Province of Georgia, Province of Massachusetts Bay, Province of Maryland, Province of New York, Province of North Carolina, Province of Pennsylvania, Delaware Colony, Connecticut Colony, Colony of Virginia, Province of New Jersey, Province of South Carolina, and Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. English-speaking Protestants dominated the 13 colonies and had a similar constitution, legal system, and political establishment. These colonies and several others were part of Britain’s Empire of the new world. The British used the resources from these countries to fuel the economy of the mother country; this policy was called mercantilism. However, the 13 colonies were self-reliant and self-governed; they had very active elections. They resisted the British's demands and control – the colonies were similar in many aspects, and this mutuality prompted them to join against British policies. The increasing grievances led to the cultivation of a new identity in America and the American Revolution. During the Revolution, the Continental Congress was formed with the collaboration of the colonies, and this Congress declared independence in 1776. There are 13 stripes in the American flag; it is the representation of these 13 colonies.

Customs of American Independence Day :

This day is a federal holiday, and most of the non-essential government departments remain closed on this day. Private businesses and companies also celebrate this day and grant a holiday to their employees. This summer holiday is mostly celebrated outside with family and friends, near lakes and ponds – basking in the sun and enjoying picnics. There are also fairs in different parts of the country with a patriotic theme. Food and fireworks are an essential part of the Independence Day Celebration. Some of the best 4th of July fireworks in the USA are Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks – New York City, National Mall – Washington DC, Boston Pops, Addison – Dallas, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Fair Saint Louis – St. Louis, Lake Tahoe, etc. If you are lucky to be present at one of these destinations, don’t miss the spectacular show of light. National Songs usually follow with the fireworks and other celebrations. People across the country celebrate the pride they feel revering the independence day of the world’s greatest nation. Some of the famous national songs are “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes forever,” etc.

Famous American Independence Day Quotes :

• In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation. – Woodrow Wilson
• Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty. – Louis D. Brandeis
• We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their plows but to secure liberty for their souls. – Robert J. McCracken

Famous American Independence Day Quote- By Robert J. McCracken

We are all lucky to be part of a great nation with such extraordinary people from the past who stand as examples or guides towards the future. On this great day, we must reflect on the past and the humble beginnings on foreign soil we made our home. We must remember the past struggles, right or wrong, that laid the foundation of this nation. Concluding, I wish you a prosperous and happy American Independence Day.