From Revolution To Celebration: Why US Celebrates Its Independence Day On July 4 | World News
New Delhi: Every year on July 4, the Americans come together for the ceremonies that shake barbecue, fireworks, parade and flags to celebrate the Independence Day. However, beyond the festive atmosphere, there is a decisive moment in the history of the US, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
What makes this day so important? Why is July 4 marked as the birth of the United States as an independent nation? The answer lies in an important decision that about 250 years ago, 13 American colony declared that the British colony was officially broken and formed the basis of a new nation built on freedom and self -governance.
Here is the history behind America’s Independence Day and why it continues to echo for generations.
Independence way
In the mid -18th century, the 13 American colonies of England were increasingly disappointed under British control. The colonists objected to harsh taxes such as stamp law and Townshend actions and angry at the British Parliament, which was summarized with the popular slogan: “There is no representation of representation.”
This increased discontent caused a series of conflicts, including the Boston Tea Party (1773) and Lexington and Concord (1775) wars, which pointed to the beginning of the American War of Revolution. As the war rose, it became impossible for the call for full independence to ignore.
Why is July 2, not July 4?
On July 2, 1776, the continental congress, a congress of representatives from colonies, voted in favor of declareing independence from the Great Britain. However, the last text of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson was officially accepted on July 4, which made it the US symbolic birth date.
Interestingly, his founding father, John Adams, believed that he would be remembered on July 2 as a real day of independence. In a letter to his wife Abigail, he wrote: “The second day of July 1776 will be the most unforgettable Epocha in the history of America.”
Despite the estimation, it was July 4, which was published on the declaration that caught the National Imagination.
Is it signed on July 4?
Although July 4 was the date of adoption of the declaration, most of the delegates did not sign that day. The official signature began on 2 August 1776 and the representatives of various colonies added their names in the following weeks.
In total, 56 men signed a statement, including famous names such as John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
From protest to national holiday
The first celebrations on July 4 took place in 1777, the war was still continuing. Cities such as Philadelphia marked with bells, festivals and fireworks. In the following years, July 4 has become a more patriotic opportunity.
Until 1870, the Congress made a federal holiday on the Independence Day and in 1941 it became a paid holiday for federal employees. Since then, it has become a great national celebration that blends the four July, history, tradition and summer festivals.
A symbol beyond boundaries
While the Day of Independence is based on American history, it is also a global symbol of democratic ideals and self -governing struggle. Many democratic movements in the world were inspired by the American Revolution and the Principles summarized in the Declaration of Independence, especially on the famous line: “We clearly see these facts, that all men have been created equally…”
What does the day mean today
For many Americans, July 4 is more than fireworks and sausage sandwiches. One day to think about the values of freedom, democracy and equality and to remember the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence. It also reminds us that the promise of freedom is still an ongoing work.
As the debate on civil rights, migration and national identity continues in the USA, the Day of Independence invites both the celebration and the reflection, and the chance to honor the past while efforting for a more inclusive and fair future.
