US celebrates Independence Day

Two hundred and forty-one years ago today, representatives of 13 American colonies signed a Declaration of Independence, drawn up by Thomas Jefferson, which declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and set the United States on the road to becoming the country it is today.

Now celebrated in the States as a public holiday, and better known as Independence Day, the 4th July is arguably one of the most important dates in the American calendar, with American citizens far and wide coming together to celebrate the day. Fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games and family reunions, are all commonly associated with Independence Day.

The Day also sees thousands of people from all around the world take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become new US citizens themselves.

We at Emigrate2.co.uk would like to wish Americans, new and old, all around the world a fantastic 4th July!

Five facts about Independence Day

– The 13 States to sign the original Declaration of Independence were: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island and Providence.

– Two of the men who signed the document would go on to serve as President of the United States: John Adams – the country’s second president serving between 1797 and 1801 – and Thomas Jefferson; the country’s third President, serving between 1801 and 1809.

– It wasn’t until 1938, that US Congress declared Independence Day a paid federal holiday.

– The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration is held in Bristol, Rhode Island. The Bristol Fourth of July Parade has been held since 1785 and draws around 200,000 people each year.

– The biggest Independence Day event is held on Capitol Lawn in the nation’s capital, Washington DC. A Capitol Fourth is a free annual concert which culminates in a huge firework display. More than half a million visitors attend the celebration each year.

Article published 4th July 2017