The 4th of July is the anniversary day of signing of the declaration of Independence by the U.S Congress on July 4, 1776. It is a celebration of independence from Great Britain. The independence has been declared as the National Day and has been announced as Federal holiday in the whole of U.S.A. The celebrations are vast and varied. Political speeches and ceremony, public and private functions recalling the events leading to freedom and the subsequent happenings, government formation and traditions established thereafter. On the lighter side, there will be fireworks, carnivals, concerts, baseball games etc. It is a great day of joy with every American joining the celebration whole heartedly.
There is some controversy on whether 4th July can really be called the independence day. The declaration of independence was made on July2nd, 1776 and only the signing of declaration was done on 4th July. Some Historians claim not all members of the Congress signed the document on the 4th July, 1776. The process of signing was completed on August 2, 1776.
4th of July, the National day is a holiday for all except essential services. It is a day celebration marked by great fervor, show of patriotism and total enjoyment. The common American prefers to celebrate the event outdoors by attending carnivals, picnics and also barbeques. It is a day, most suitable for politicians and makes public appearances to give speeches on American fight for independence, history, laws, heritage, economic development and advancement of society. It is a day on which every American takes pride in the fact his country is the leading democracy in the world.
Detroit of Michigan celebrates 4th of July not only as the American National day but also as the annual Windsor-Detroit international freedom festival. This is to celebrate the American national day and also the Ontario’s Canada day. Fireworks are part of the celebrations all over the U.S.A. the one at Detroit, celebrated over the Detroit River is claimed to be the largest fireworks display in the world.
Many Americans prefer to enjoy the fireworks display on the weekend. If the national day falls in the middle of the week the holiday is spent quietly and fireworks and other celebrations are postponed to the weekend. This is not the universal practice all over the U.S.A.
Families use the occasion to visit relatives and friends. There is prominent display of the American flag in almost all houses. Houses are also decorated with balloons, streamers etc; many of them in the colors of the national flag. There will be number of parades which people like to visit. Some people would like to invite people to go with them for picnic or attend a barbeque arranged in their home. All private functions and celebration are conducted during the day time and the evenings are reserved for attending fireworks displays.
Fireworks displays are accompanied by the singing of patriotic songs including the national anthem. New York City has the distinction of holding the largest display of fireworks. Fireworks display is held along river banks or sea coast.