Independence Day

About Independence Day:

Independence Day is the birthday of the United States of America and is celebrated on the Fourth of July every year. Independence Day is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It is a day to celebrate of the separation of the United States from Britain to form a land of the free. John Adams, one of the founders of our new nation, said, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It out to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore." Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

Fun Facts:

• In 1781, Massachusetts was the first legislature to recognize the Fourth of July.
• In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a paid federal holiday for federal employees.
• It is said that our actual independence occurred on the 2nd of July and that we celebrate the date that the papers of the Declaration of Independence were signed making everything legally bound that the United States was an independent country.

Activities:

• Have a red, white, and blue patriotic party.
• Make cupcakes with various red, white, and blue frosting.
• Make t-shirts and show your patriotism of your free country.
• Act out the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
• Celebrate with family and friends at a cookout or party.
• Shoot fireworks
• Thank a soldier who is fighting for your country today.