The one that would become most important, July 4th, 1776, was the day the still unrecognized Continental Congress ratified the text of the Declaration of Independence. The Fourth of July is a quintessential holiday in the United States, commemorating the Declaration of Independence. Celebrating with family barbeques, hot dogs, parades, fireworks, and the red, white, and blue is a crucial part of the holiday. But did you know the anniversary of American independence is July 2, not July 4? Twelve of the thirteen American colonies had already approved the The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the However, the exact day that the United States of America became an independent nation was not on the Fourth of July; but rather, it was a couple days prior, on July 2nd. John Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, which may have added to the day’s significance in the public’s view. Congress established the Fourth of July as a federal holiday in 1870. The Continental Congress delegates did not all sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, either. July Fourth really got its start on July 2, 1776. Andhas been one of the most colorful ones in the U.S. ever since. For 246 years, Americans have celebrated the country’s birthday on July 4th, the day the Continental Congress approved the text of the Declaration of Independence, not July 2, the day the The Continental Congress declared American independence on July 2, even though the final wording of the Declaration of Independence had yet to be approved. That approval came two days later, which is why American independence is celebrated on July 4. Independence Day Should Have Been July 2 –July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations. America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday? The colonies had already voted for freedom from British rule, but debates over slavery held up the formal adoption of the The U.S. voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but celebrates on July 4. Discover why the true date was nearly forgotten. Today in the United States, Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th, and the day is commonly called the Fourth of July. In 1941, it was made a federal holiday, but it people had been celebrating it decades before. The reason Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th is because on that day in 1776, [] 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 foundation of 4th of July celebrations lies in one of history’s most important documents. The Declaration of Independence didn’t just announce America’s break from Britain—it established principles that would influence democratic movements worldwide. The Declaration of Independence was actually approved on July 2nd, 1776. The Continental Congress voted for independence two days At the Governor’s request, this raise will not be applied to the salary of the Governor. State offices will close on July 3rd in addition to regular office closures on July 4 th commemorating Independence Day. State office closures will create a four-day holiday weekend which will benefit nearly 100,000 people in the State Personnel System. Why We Must Celebrate July 2nd– America’s True Independence Day by KrisAnne Hall, JD Most Americans mark July 4th as our nation’s birthday. But here’s a truth you likely weren’t taught in school: America’s actual Independence Day is July 2nd – and the founders knew it. It wasn’t the Declaration of Independence that created our freedom. It was our freedom that gave rise to the You might wonder why July 4th became the celebrated date instead. The answer lies in the timing of events. While the independence vote on July 2nd marked the official decision to break away, the Continental Congress adopted the formal Declaration of Independence two days later. That is why the Declaration has the words, “IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776,” at its top, because that is the day the approved version was signed in Philadelphia. On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square. Americans celebrate July 4th, also known as Independence Day, to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the same date in 1776. Because July 2nd is when the Second Continental Congress voted to approved a resolution of independence. Although nobody voted on or signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, that was the date the Declaration was announced to the world, and why it was ultimately chosen as Independence Day.
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