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Independence Day
6 January 2022 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Independence Day is celebrated every year in America on July 4th, hence why it is also known simply as The Fourth of July. The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, signed by all 13 colonies, and which marks the beginning of American Independence. It is a federal holiday, and as such businesses, schools and federal offices are closed. If the 4th falls on a weekend, it is observed on the previous Friday or the following Monday.
The history of Independence Day
The American Revolutionary War began in April of 1775, at a time when Americans were unhappy with the British ruling of the colonies, and started wanting independence from Great Britain. This hostility towards the country was furthered in 1776 with the publication of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet titled “Common Sense”.
On June 7 of the same year, a Congress with representatives from all colonies met in Philadelphia, and it was here that Richard Henry Lee made a compelling argument in favour of the colonies’ independence from Britain. So, a committee was formed, comprising five American household names: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Benjamin Franklin, who were tasked with drafting a formal document declaring the independence of the colonies from Great Britain, with the intent of forming their nation. Because of his favourable political background, and having written other statements in the defense of the nation, Thomas Jefferson was the one who wrote most of the declaration, with the others helping with the revision and improvements.
After its completion, Congress unanimously cast their votes in favour of the Declaration of Independence on July 2nd, and it was officially adopted on July 4th.
The Declaration of Independence contained five sections, the introduction explained why the independence of the colonies was vital for Americans, and the body numbered all the complaints they had against the British Crown rule.
On July 8th 1776, the Declaration had its first public reading and brought a feeling of relief and victory to the young nation. The day of July 4th has been since known as America’s Birthday.
