The Fourth of July is the day Americans celebrate their country’s independence. What is the history of the Fourth of July and how do Americans celebrate it? If you have an American friend, what to say to that person? Let ELSA help you answer these questions.

Fourth of July —also known as Independence Day or July 4th— is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire. Since then, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

• The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies. The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin (70) and the youngest was South Carolina’s Edward Rutledge (26).
• In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the new nation. Today the population of the U.S.A. is 316 million
• One out of eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard (7 total)
• The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
• The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

Liberty /ˈlɪbərti/

59 Districts in America have the word LIBERTY

Pennsylvania has the most with 11

Union  /ˈjunjən/

136 Districts in America have the word UNION

Pennsylvania has the most with 33

Eagle /ˈigəl/

35 Districts in America have the word EAGLE

Eagle Pass, TX is the most populous

Freedom /ˈfridəm/

9 Districts in America have the word FREEDOM

New Freedom, PA is the most populous

“Celebrate freedom! Hope your Day of Freedom is filled with family, friends and fireworks!”

“Freedom, Liberty, Unity. Enjoy your Day of Freedom!”

“On this special day here’s wishing our dreams of a new tomorrow come true! May your Independence Day day be filled with patriotic spirit!”

“Happy Birthday America! Celebrating our independence, celebrating our freedom!”