The fourth of July…it’s pretty huge in
the USA, but do you know why? It’s more famously known as Independence
Day and is a massive annual celebration and national holiday across all 50 states. On this date in 1776, Congress officially
announced its independence from Great Britain and its ruler, King George the third. The USA had been under British rule since
the 1600’s when the British founded 13 colonies to make up the country - Virginia, New York,
Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South
Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. As these colonies grew, so too did unrest. Inhabitants were not happy at the taxes they
were made to pay by the Brits or the superior treatment they were expected to show to these
impostors, so they rebelled. They decided that they needed to declare their
independence in writing. Led by Thomas Jefferson, who would later go
on to become the third U.S. president, the declaration was written, presented, and finally
accepted (actually on 2nd July 1776, but announced to the world two days later on 4th July). This most famous piece of literature is now
safeguarded at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Its most famous line reads “all men are
created equally” and “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that
include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Americans are extremely proud of this document
and can often be heard quoting it during their annual July 4th celebrations. The whole country comes together for huge
displays of patriotic celebrations on this day. Families and friends generally honor it with
outdoor gatherings (as the weather across the country is usually good around this time),
picnics, barbecues, and house parties. Parades are held in most cities where citizens
dress in the red, white & blues of the American flag, we can hear the national anthem, ‘The
Star-Spangled Banner’, being proudly sung all over the country and fireworks always
finish off the day’s festivities. New York City is reported to hold the biggest
fireworks display each year, sponsored by the famous department store, Macy's. Chips, dips, burgers, hot dogs, and fries
are some of the most popular foods eaten on Independence Day and are nicely washed down
with beer. Over 74 million Americans barbecue on this
special day when 150 million hot dogs and around 63 million cases of beer are consumed
over the Independence Day weekend…hey, where’s my invite?! It is not surprising to learn then that over
$7 billion was spent on food solely for the holiday in 2021. Along with Thanksgiving and Christmas, (and
let’s not forget the majestical Super Bowl!) Independence Day is one of the most celebrated
occasions in the US with around 85% of Americans saying they plan to commemorate it somehow.