New Delhi: In today’s world, the United States is one of the most dominating and leading nations in the world in every important sphere like the economy, military, technology and education. But its journey to freedom from the clutches of British dominance was not easy, and the real journey of the land as a nation began on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Second Continental Congress which established the United States of America. Hence, every year, the day is celebrated as Independence Day in the US, a federal holiday.
Independence Day: The prelude to the glorious moment
The American Revolution was going on in full swing when the 13 colonies became legally separated from Great Britain on July 2, 17766. As a result, the United States was declared to be independent from the rule of Great Britain, but the Declaration of Independence was the main cornerstone which would seal this deal. Hence, the US Congress focused on that and had already prepared a statement explaining this decision. The Committee of Five came up with the statement and its member Thomas Jefferson was the author of its first draft.
Congress deliberated and debated over the statement and modified the wording of the Declaration by removing Jefferson’s vigorous denunciation of King George III for importing the slave trade. When it was approved on July 4, the world saw the official birth of the US, and the hierarchy of global domination would change from that day onwards for centuries to come.
Interestingly, Jefferson and John Adams were the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence who would go on to become US Presidents and both of them passed away on July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. On the other hand, Calvin Coolidge remains the sole President who was born on Independence Day, on July 4, 1872.
How is the day celebrated?
In the initial years, Independence Day was celebrated like the birthday of the king of Great Britain with bell ringing, solemn processions, speeches and bonfires. However, it changed over the years, especially with the evolving political landscape of the US. Since the 19th century, the celebrations have received several different yet pleasing facets.
Nowadays, families celebrate the day with a picnic or barbecue with family members or friends gathering at a place. Parades take place in many parts of the country and fireworks displays in the evening are a huge draw. Important places are generally coloured as per that of the US flag, red, white, and blue, and many homes and businesses are decorated with miniature American flags. A salute of one gun for each state in the US called a “salute to the union”, is done on this day. The holiday makes July’s first week one of the busiest travel periods in the country, as many people use the typically long weekend for extended vacation trips.
In the initial years, Independence Day was celebrated as the birthday of the king of Great Britain. However, it changed over the years, especially with the evolving political landscape of the US. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
