When is Independence Day?
Independence Day, the Fourth of July, is the National Day of the United States of America. It is a federal holiday and also a holiday in all 50 states and other US territories on July 4th.
In 2020, as Independence Day falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday will be observed as a Federal Holiday. It will also be a State Holiday in 46 states and Washington DC as Massachusetts, New York and Texas observe a Saturday holiday on a Saturday, and Rhode Island will observe a State Holiday on the following Monday. In 2021, when Independence Day will fall on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a Federal Holiday and it will be a State Holiday in all states apart from Texas.
As this is a Federal holiday, not only will schools and libraries be closed, most federal and state offices will be closed and there will be no mail deliveries on Independence Day
History of Independence Day
On July 4th 1776, the United States of America proclaimed its independence from England by signing the Declaration of Independence.
While the signing of the Declaration itself was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday is seen as the official anniversary of U.S. independence.
Although Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of independence in 1777 with spontaneous celebrations in the streets of Philadelphia, the first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” wasn’t until 1791 and Independence Day celebrations only became common after the War of 1812.
By the 1870s, Independence Day had become the most important secular holiday on the American calendar and has transformed into what is known as the 4th of July today.
In 1870, The U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees, though it wasn’t until 1941 that Congress declared Independence Day to be a paid federal holiday.
How is Independence Day celebrated?
Independence Day is the most patriotic and enthusiastically celebrated of all America’s holidays. There will be parades, barbeques, picnics and fireworks throughout the country.