Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4th) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Each year on the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, U.S. citizens celebrate this historic event. Which country did we declare our independence from? The colonies, the As the saying goes, summer in Seattle starts July 5. This year is looking different, with a dry and sunny week leading up to Independence Day. Rain or shine, this month is packed with red, white and blue fun, sandcastle contests, lots of community events, music festivals and multicultural celebrations. On July 4, 2025, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day, marking the 249th anniversary of its declaration of independence from British rule in 1776. While it is now a day of On July 9, 1776, General George Washington, while concentrating troops in New York City, ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud to his men. He hoped that they would find new meaning in the war for independence. Welcome to opm.govTo see holidays for a specific year, please select the tab labeled with your year of interest. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined. But how do our modern celebrations compare to the earliest Independence Day festivities? Before the American Revolution, the King George III’s June 4 birthday was a celebration marked with bonfires, speeches, and the ringing of bells. Most national chain restaurants will be open on Independence Day, though Raising Cane's will be closed. Costco is one of the few national retailers that won't be open on the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday, but that doesn’t mean everything shuts down. Here’s what you can count on being open or closed this Independence Day, based on official corporate Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence, 1776 By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. Learn the history of America's Independence Day, including why we celebrate on July 4. Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration is held annually at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm. This location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. The Declaration of Independence, formally The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America in the original printing, is the founding document of the United States. On July 4, 1776, it was adopted unanimously by the Second Continental Congress, who convened at Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in the colonial capital of Philadelphia. These delegates PBA News Toil, Blood, and Treasure: Revisiting the Meaning of Independence Day History is complicated; the celebration of great historical moments is much simpler. This year when we picnic, attend parades, and watch fireworks to mark the Fourth of July, we can also take a moment to consider the context of nearly a quarter millennium ago. Independence Day, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood held on July 4. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document announced the separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. US Independence Day: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday, but that doesn’t mean everything shuts down. Here’s what you can count on being open or closed this Independence Day, based on official corporate holiday schedules and confirmed statements. Joey Lynn King (born July 30, 1999) is an American actress who played Samantha Blackwell in Independence Day: Resurgence. She first gained recognition for portraying Ramona Quimby in the comedy film Ramona and Beezus (2010) and has since gained wider recognition for her lead role in The Kissing
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