The fourth of July…it’s pretty huge in the USA, but do you know why?
It’s more famously known as Independence Day and is a massive annual celebration and
national holiday across all 50 states.
On this date in 1776, Congress officially announced its independence from Great Britain
and its ruler, King George the third.
The USA had been under British rule since the 1600’s when the British founded 13 colonies
to make up the country - Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
As these colonies grew, so too did unrest.
Inhabitants were not happy at the taxes they were made to pay by the Brits or the superior
treatment they were expected to show to these impostors, so they rebelled.
They decided that they needed to declare their independence in writing.
Led by Thomas Jefferson, who would later go on to become the third U.S. president, the
declaration was written, presented, and finally accepted (actually on 2nd July 1776, but announced
to the world two days later on 4th July).
This most famous piece of literature is now safeguarded at the National Archives in Washington
D.C.
Its most famous line reads “all men are created equally” and “are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable rights that include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.
Americans are extremely proud of this document and can often be heard quoting it during their
annual July 4th celebrations.
The whole country comes together for huge displays of patriotic celebrations on this
day.
Families and friends generally honor it with outdoor gatherings (as the weather across
the country is usually good around this time), picnics, barbecues, and house parties.
Parades are held in most cities where citizens dress in the red, white & blues of the American
flag, we can hear the national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, being proudly sung
all over the country and fireworks always finish off the day’s festivities.
New York City is reported to hold the biggest fireworks display each year, sponsored by
the famous department store, Macy's.
Chips, dips, burgers, hot dogs, and fries are some of the most popular foods eaten on
Independence Day and are nicely washed down with beer.
Over 74 million Americans barbecue on this special day when 150 million hot dogs and
around 63 million cases of beer are consumed over the Independence Day weekend…hey, where’s
my invite?!
It is not surprising to learn then that over $7 billion was spent on food solely for the
holiday in 2021.
Along with Thanksgiving and Christmas, (and let’s not forget the majestical Super Bowl!)
Independence Day is one of the most celebrated occasions in the US with around 85% of Americans
saying they plan to commemorate it somehow.