Fourth of july how many years

VOA Newscasts Latest program. VOA Newscasts. Previous Next. VOA News. VOA News Subscribe. More US Stories. The Day in Photos. November 11, Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil Labor Day will occur on Monday, September 6. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal He died after a gruesome bit of self-surgery.

Veterans Day is a U. In , on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the On February 4, , electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the United States. Previously, states had governed much like independent Live TV. This Day In History. History Vault. Recommended for you.

History of the Fourth of July. Fourth of July Barbecue. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, , by delegates from the 13 colonies. If the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, the observed holiday for most but not all federal employees is Friday, July 3.

Independence is declared; it must be maintained. After these first military conflicts, tension between Britain and her American colonists continued to mount. Two days later, on July 4 , the Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, which had been written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Printer John Dunlap made about copies of the Declaration, with the date of July 4.

John Hancock, president of the Congress, was the first of 56 delegates who signed this enlarged version, writing in big, bold letters. On August 4, , after delegates of the Continental Congress had signed the document, the Declaration of Independence was made official. He envisioned the celebration to be one filled with fun, games, and fireworks—not an occasion for displaying military strength as one might expect. On July 3, , he wrote these words to his wife Abigail, capturing the spirit of the times:.

The second day of July, , will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival….

On July 18, , an issue of the Virginia Gazette describes the July 4 celebration in Philadelphia:. Every thing was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal. Many countries have emulated this spirit of celebration ever since. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.

It was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule. The document was originally written by Thomas Jefferson, but Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, along with Jefferson then worked together to make changes.

The final draft of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, , but the actual signing of the final document took place on August 2, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

We invite you to refresh your memory as an annual tradition. Read a transcription of the complete text of the Declaration at www. Here are some fun facts you may not know about the holiday:.

Legend says that Hancock wanted the king of England to see the rebellious signature without having to wear his spectacles! When did America actually declare independence? Congress ruled in favor of independence on July 2, How many people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4?

On what day did most people sign the Declaration of Independence? August 2, When did Independence Day become a national holiday? The Fourth of July was not declared a federal holiday until ! Is anything written on the back of the Declaration of Independence? Yes, but not a treasure map like a certain favorite film suggests! Where is the Declaration of Independence document today?

It is kept at the National Archives in Washington, D. Of the printed copies of the Declaration made by John Dunlap the Dunlap Broadsides , only 27 are accounted for. It traveled the country on display to the public for ten years. Where was George Washington when the Declaration of Independence was written? In July , Washington was in New York with his troops.

On July 9, he received his copy of the Declaration with a note from John Hancock telling Washington to share the news with his soldiers.