The 4 th of July, an American Holiday The 4 th of July celebrates American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain by the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the Declaration was signed, there were only 13 colonies on the East Coast – today, the USA has 50 states! The Declaration was written by a committee of men, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. It was signed by John Hancock, who was President of the Continental Congress. It is also known as Independence Day.

Independence Day Traditions It is a federal holiday, meaning that many government offices are closed and most people have the day off from work. Common traditions, dating back to the 1800s, include : fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches or ceremonies. Many towns have a parade in the morning and fireworks in the evening. Usually, you celebrate Independence Day with your family. Since it is a summer holiday, families and friends often gather for a picnic or a barbecue. Decorations, such as flags, streamers, balloons, and clothing, are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag.

Patriotic Songs Sung on the 4 th of July The Star-Spangled Banner (National Anthem) My Country Tis of Thee America the Beautiful God Bless America This Land is Your Land Stars and Stripes Forever Yankee Doodle (in the Northeast) Dixie (in the South)

Kids at an Independence Day parade with American flags and Uncle Sam hats

Parades with Colonial reenactments

Picnic supplies decorated in red, white and blue

We often have a barbecue or picnic. We eat : hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit salad, chips, cake or cupcakes decorated in red, white, and blue.

Red raspberries, blueberries, and watermelon for the 4 th of July

Fireworks in Washington, DC, at the Iwo Jima Memorial

Fireworks in Washington, DC, by the National Monument