The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4, BGNES reported.
The national holiday commemorates the birth of the United States as an independent nation with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. It has been 248 years since then.
Festivities include fireworks, concerts and family gatherings across the country. Large-scale parades are organized in major cities.
In 1775, the inhabitants of the thirteen American colonies began their struggle for independence from British rule under the leadership of King George III. This conflict marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, but actually completed the process of adopting the Declaration, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with other committee members - John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston - only two days later. At first the celebration was along the lines of the king's birthday, which was celebrated annually with bell-ringing, bonfires, solemn processions and orations.
The first 4th of July celebration
As far back as 1777, the Pennsylvania Evening Post of Philadelphia reported: "Yesterday, the 4th of July, the anniversary of the declaration of independence of the United States of America, was observed with demonstrations of joy and solemnity."
At night, the newspaper said, "there were spectacular fireworks... and the city was beautifully illuminated."
Official holiday
The tradition of celebrating independence became widespread after the War of 1812-1815 against Great Britain. Such celebrations are mostly held on the 4th of July.
However, John Adams still believed that Americans should celebrate their independence on July 2nd. Historians say Adams turned down invitations to participate in July 4th events until the day of his death. Adams died on July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson also died on the same day. The two men and former presidents have been both friends and rivals. Both rest on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1870, the US Congress declared the 4th of July a public holiday.
Modern celebrations
In July 1776, the United States was a country of 2.5 million people, and today it is 336 million people. These days, Americans celebrate the national holiday with a number of festivities.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organizers are holding a 16-day festival of fireworks, music and food to celebrate "America's birthday in America's birthplace!"
But the biggest fireworks show is in New York. It can also be seen in the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut. It is also broadcast nationwide on television.
In Los Angeles, California, moviegoers can choose to celebrate the holiday by watching old Hollywood movies from the lawn of the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Far north in Anchorage, Alaska, Independence Day traditions include food, games and late-night fireworks. With 19 hours of daylight this time of year, the fireworks show doesn't start until midnight. | BGNES
