The United States celebrates its independence every July 4, in commemoration of the declaration that broke with the British Empire and gave way to the birth of a new nation.
At the Voice of America we tell you 5 things you should know regarding this celebration, one of the most important and anticipated in the country.
1- Why is the fireworks show awaited by the American family every July 4th?
The fireworks display has been a staple ever since Independence Day began. Founding Father John Adams himself anticipated this when he said in a letter to his wife dated July 3, 1776:
“[La independencia de Estados Unidos] “It must be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, arms, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever.”
However, fireworks were known long before. According to the State of Mexico Institute of PyrotechnicsFireworks were invented by the Chinese for ceremonial and religious uses.
In countries like Mexico, the use of fireworks came from Europe. According to this Institute, Latin America is currently the second largest producer of fireworks, most of them for domestic use, with products ranging from small firecrackers to large fireworks such as the so-called “castillos” and “toritos.”
Fireworks are a long-standing tradition to celebrate Independence Day in the United States.
2- Some doubts and inconsistencies regarding the date of July 4
Has a president ever refused to celebrate?
Most presidents, from George Washington to Joe Biden, have celebrated the holiday every July 4. All except Founding Father John Adams, who argued that July 2 was the true Independence Day, arguing that it was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution of independence, even though the Declaration was not formally adopted until two days later.
3- The founding fathers
Those who participated in the signing of the independence declaration were: Thomas Jefferson, from Virginia, John Adams, from Massachusetts, Roger Sherman, from Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin, from Pennsylvania, and Robert Livingston, from New York.
This undated engraving shows the scene on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress in Philadelphia approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Philip Livingston, and Roger Sherman.
4- Three deceased politicians and one born on July 4
Two presidents of the country died on July 4. In 1826, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died, and on that day in 1831, James Monroe died. Meanwhile, on July 4, 1872, President Calvin Coolidge was born.
5-When did July 4th become an official holiday?
In 1778, to celebrate the Fourth of July, President George Washington authorized a double ration of rum for soldiers fighting in the war. But at that time, the Fourth of July was not an official holiday and it took a few years until Massachusetts became the first state to declare the day a state holiday in 1781.
Then, in 1870, the United States Congress made the Fourth of July a national holiday.
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