About Independence Day
Independence Day, on 4 July, is the national day of the United States and commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776, formally severing political ties with the British Crown. The text, drafted principally by Thomas Jefferson, set out the philosophical case for self-government and the famous principle that all men are created equal. Although Congress voted for independence on 2 July, John Adams thought the 2nd would be the historic anniversary; the date of the Declaration's adoption stuck instead. The Fourth has been a federal public holiday since 1870 (paid since 1938) and is one of the most widely observed civic holidays in the country.
The Fourth is celebrated outdoors: family barbecues, picnics, beach days, baseball games, and parades through every town. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the New York City Macy's fireworks over the East River, and the National Mall fireworks in Washington are televised nationally. Smaller towns put on their own fireworks at the local park or fairground; suburban streets light up with backyard sparklers. Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon and apple pie are the canonical menu; Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island has been an institution since 1916. Many people wear red, white and blue. Federal offices, banks and the stock market are closed; most non-retail businesses give the day off, often with the Friday or Monday added to make a long weekend.