Happy Fourth Of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress as an official way to declare the United States’ independence from Great Britain. Every year in the United States, we still celebrate that independence with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks and picnics. Since the fourth of July is a federal holiday a lot of people are off work that day and celebrations start in the early morning and go until late at night when the fireworks begin.

Generally regarded as America’s birthday, July 4, has been a federally recognized holiday since 1870 and federal workers started receiving holiday pay in 1941 for Independence Day.

Independence Day is celebrated in every city and town in the United States in much the same way. Whether at home with the family or on the west lawn of the Capitol building among thousands of other Americans, we celebrate our independence from Britain and we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today because of all the brave souls who came before us who risked their lives and the many who paid with their lives in order that we may enjoy enduring freedom. Children and their parents alike look forward to the excitement that accompanies the fourth of July and its festivities.

Although the Fourth of July is one of the most entertaining holidays we celebrate, it is also the most sober with the music and the fireworks reminding us why we are celebrating.

The colors of the day are red, white and blue from T-shirts to shorts and sandals, hats and umbrellas. Although most Americans respect the guidelines set forth in regards to the flag not being worn as an item of clothing, Americans do like to dress in the patriotic colors on America’s birthday. Further, a favorite pastime is to watch the red, white, and blue fireworks bursting in the late night sky on the Fourth of July.