Why the Fourth of July is important in the United States

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Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday celebrated with patriotic displays, such as outdoor barbecues, booming fireworks, fun-filled parades and other festive activities.

Independence Day is celebrated every year because it marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The United States declared its freedom from British rule upon adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by the Continental Congress, which was the governing body of the 13 U.S. colonies. Two days prior, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain.

To clarify, July 4 was not the day independence was declared in the United States nor the day the Declaration of Independence was signed. Fourth of July is widely celebrated as the birth of America.

It was not until Aug. 2, 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was officially signed. John Hancock was the first of the 56 delegates to do so. The document was made official two days later.

After the American Revolution began in 1775, colonists began to favor the idea of independence from Great Britain. That topic was heavily debated among the delegates of the Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House.

According to Britannica, the U.S. Congress initially established Independence Day as an unpaid federal holiday in 1870, before expanding the provision to grant a paid federal holiday to all federal employees in 1938.

In 2026, the United States will mark its 250th anniversary as an independent nation.

Fireworks have been a traditional part of Fourth of July festivities since the first year the anniversary was celebrated. In July 4, 1777, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over the Boston Common. According to the Pennsylvania Evening Post, "at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated."

Since the 21st century, Americans have been spending at least $1 billion on fireworks for Fourth of July. Some counties have banned fireworks completely, especially in heavily-forested areas and areas prone to wildfires.

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Popular menu items for Fourth of July include, but not limited to, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, beans, ice cream and popsicles. Other popular foods include baby back ribs, watermelon, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, fruit salads and barbecue pork.

Examples of desserts to enjoy for the Fourth of July include, but not limited to, flag cake, peach cobbler, ice cream, smores, apple pie, key lime pie and more.

Some drinks that are perfect for Fourth of July celebrations include, but not limited to, lemonade, iced tea, fruit punch and milkshakes. Margaritas, Moscow mules, piña coladas and Bloody Marys are a few examples of cocktails that are perfect for the Fourth of July.

To this day, Independence Day continues to be a powerful symbol of national unity and pride. It also embodies the core American values of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.