Why is fourth of july celebrated

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, , during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of , in which the United States again faced Great Britain.

In , the U. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in , the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism. Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present.

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day will occur on Monday, February Originally established in in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it Without them, there would have been no United States of America.

The Founding Fathers, a group of predominantly wealthy plantation owners and businessmen, united 13 disparate colonies, fought for independence from Britain and penned a series of influential governing documents When armed conflict between bands of American colonists and British soldiers began in April , the Americans were ostensibly fighting only A member of a committee of five that also included John Adams of Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.

Barbecues often included the whole town or a more intimate group of friends and family. If you attended a barbecue back then, you might have been served an ox roast or barbecued beef or lamb.

Today, the popular 4th of July barbecue menu includes the following, and more:. Fireworks are another favorite 4th of July tradition. Some states allow the use of fireworks privately; however, many do not for safety reasons. Instead, families across the United States gather up lawn chairs, blankets, and perhaps mosquito repellent and head to a local park for a fireworks show, which can sound reminiscent of the canon fire from the early celebrations in the late s! Take a look at your family tree to see if your ancestors lived in the new republic in the late s.

FamilySearch Blog. About FamilySearch. For Latter-day Saints. For the Whole Family. Genealogy Research. Announcing independence from Great Britain was an act of treason, punishable by death. The Declaration of Independence itself has become one of the most admired and copied political documents of all time.

It is also a landmark philosophical statement, drawing on the writings of philosophers John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. It affirms that since all people are creatures of God, or nature, they have certain natural rights, or liberties, that cannot be violated. The Declaration and the American Revolution have since inspired freedom-seekers the around the world. Updated June 21, David Johnson.

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The Languages of Africa. The Mongol Empire.