The Fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day, is the national day of the United States and people living in America are encouraged to celebrate the holiday every year.
The Meaning of Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the fledgling republic of the United States declared its independence from Great Britain for a variety of reasons and since then the country has been wholly independent.
At the time, independence from the monarchy was considered to be quite a risky experiment. Not since ancient Greece had a society been run by democracy, but the founders of the United States believed it to be the most important thing they could do.
To this day, the Fourth of July conjures feelings of patriotism, liberty and rugged independence in the spirits of its citizens and residents.
The Star Spangled Banner
There are many different traditional, patriotic songs sung on the Fourth of July, but the most important is perhaps the Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States.
The song was written during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key, who was particularly inspired by the explosions occurring above Baltimore during an attack by the British. The result of the war was that the British were repelled from taking over the United States and American liberty was sustained.
Activities
Many people have picnics, barbecues or parades on Independence Day and many people have the day off. It’s likely that anywhere you turn there will be celebrations on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks
It may be inspired from the Star Spangled Banner lyrics (“The rockets’ red flare/ the bombs bursting in air”) or it could be that everybody likes fireworks, but the fact remains that fireworks are an integral part of Fourth of July celebrations.
Sometimes organizations will put together fireworks shows for the general public, but private homes will sometimes have their own fireworks shows for friends and family.