The Fourth of July, often known as Independence Day or July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the US since 1941, but Independence Day celebrations have a long history dating back to the American Revolution in the 18th century. The Declaration of Independence, a significant document written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted by representatives from the 13 colonies two days after the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776. Since 1776, July 4th has been observed as the beginning of American freedom, and celebrations have included everything from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more laid-back family get-togethers and barbecues.
When is Independence Day this year ?
This year Fourth of July 2023 falls on Tuesday. On the Fourth of July, the United States observes a federal holiday in honor of the Declaration of Independence. If the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday, the federal observed holiday is the following Monday, July 5. If the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, the observed holiday for most (but not all) federal employees is Friday, July 3.
History of 4th of July
As Few colonists wanted complete independence from Great Britain as the Revolutionary War’s first battles broke out in April 1775. Those who desired complete freedom were considered radicals by Great Britain, However, due to the increasing antagonism towards Britain, many more colonists had come to support independence of the United States by the middle of the following year. The revolutionary sentiments against Britain were best describe in the bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.
Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, proposed a motion calling for the colonies’ independence on June 7 at the Continental Congress’ session in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania State House (later known as Independence Hall).
The vote on Lee’s resolution was postponed by Congress after a contentious debate, but Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Robert R. Livingston of New York were named to a five-person committee to draft a formal justification for the break with Great Britain.
On July 2, the Continental Congress nearly unanimously approved Lee’s proposal for independence (the New York delegation abstained at first, but eventually voted in favor). John Adams informed his wife Abigail in a letter that day that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
The Declaration of Independence, which was primarily drafted by Jefferson, was formally approved by the Continental Congress on July 4. Even though the official declaration of independence was made on July 2, it wasn’t until then that the Fourth of July was recognized as the day the United States gained its freedom.
Best 4th of July Fireworks Displays
The United States of America will celebrate its 247th birthday on July 4th with fireworks displays in around the nation from small villages to large cities all will be in a celebratory mood.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), fireworks have been a tradition in America since the first Independence Day in 1776, even though many people associate them with a Fourth of July celebration that lasts all day.
As per APA’s website which states that, “Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them … a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped, ‘with pomp, parade….bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other”
Here we are including the best breathtaking firework shows, out of all the stunning firework displays in the country. They are as follows :
Washington D.C.
Fireworks launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool illuminate the sky behind the Capitol and Washington Monument
New York City
The event website states that ” The 47th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City, the country’s largest pyrotechnic display, will be “jam-packed with serious star power, electrifying performances and heart-pounding pyrotechnics,”
Boston
For the annual July 4th celebration, the Boston Pops Concert Fireworks Spectacular brings the 1812 Overture and roughly 500,000 spectators to the Charles River. Visitors arrive to the Charles River Esplanade and queue up to reserve a spot on a blanket in the Oval, which usually fills up by 2:00 p.m.
The national anthem and a flyover are performed by the conductor at 8 o’clock, then at 9:30 the renowned Boston Pops begin playing the 1812 Overture. The eye-catching fireworks show begins around 10:30. If you’re in town for the fireworks, extend your enjoyment by going to Harborfest-sponsored events including music, kid-friendly activities, and Chowderfest, where you can feast on seafood.
St. Louis, Missouri
Fireworks display framed by the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. Typically, display lasts 20 to 30 minutes, over the Mississippi River.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The Melaleuca Freedom Festival celebrating its 30th anniversary, is the largest Independence Day fireworks show west of the Mississippi River.
Alachua, Florida
For the 23rd annual Fourth of July celebration, which has been dubbed the “Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America,” tens of thousands of people will converge on Alachua, Florida. According to the city website, this free event has a favorable impact on nearby businesses.
San Francisco
San Francisco’s Fireworks are released from the Municipal Pier and a barge off of Pier 39. It can be seen along the shoreline with the striking skyline of the city in the distance.
Addison, Texas
Every year, the top-rated Independence Day festival Kaboom Town, which has food vendors, entertainment, and an air show, puts on a spectacular 25-minute fireworks display.
According to the event website, despite though Addison only has 16,000 residents, the event attracts more than 500,000 visitors from throughout the country. The occasion will take place this year on Monday, July 3.
Nashville
Nashville hosts the largest fireworks display in the area during its annual Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing event. More than 1,000 floating flares, 40,000 pounds of explosives, and 200 miles of wire are all employed in the display. Brad Paisley, a Grammy-winning country singer, is one of many musicians scheduled to perform at the occasion this year.
Philadelphia
What better location to commemorate independence than in the country that gave birth to it?
As part of the Wawa Welcome America festival, the city’s 16-day celebration “celebrating a season of freedom” that runs from Juneteenth to July Fourth, the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Pennsylvania provides the ideal backdrop for one of the country’s best fireworks displays.