Independence Day
The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4th.
Declaration of Independence
The Fourth of July is a very important date for citizens of the United States. The Declaration of Independence which called for freedom from England. Our Continental Congress decided to follow the words of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, the man who became our nation’s third president, wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was one of five people given the task to write the important document. The others were Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, and the man who became our second president, John Adams.
The committee gave the document to the Continental Congress, who made some changes. On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed it that day along with the Secretary, Charles Thomson. Most of the other delegates signed it on August 2, 1776.
John Adams Suggestion
John Adams said Americans should celebrate Independence Day with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”
Every year we celebrate Independence Day in a lot of the ways suggested by John Adams. Many people also include picnics with hamburgers and hot dogs as part of the celebration.
– Sandra Merville Hart
Sources:
Greif, Martin. The Holiday Book: America’s Festivals and Celebrations. The Main Street Press, 1978.
Staino, Patricia A. The Mailbox Magic Moments: Holidays & Celebrations with Your Kids. The EducationCenter, 1997.
“The Declaration of Independence: A History.” The U.S. National Archives & Records Administration. 21 March 2013. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/print_friendly.html?page=declaration_history_content.html&title=Declaration%20of%20Independence%3A%20A%20Transcription.