We know that summer is in full swing when we attend picnics every other weekend, gather up our beach gear for an afternoon of sand, sea, and sun – and, of course, enjoy a night sky filled with fireworks, pointing to the coming of the 4th of July.
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain, and two days later the Declaration of Independence was adopted. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. However you may celebrate this quintessential American holiday, enjoy your day, celebrate your freedoms, and bask in the spark of summer.