Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is the unofficial name for the Independence Day in the United States of America. This day is considered to be the day of birth of a free and independent country. It reminds Americans about the fact that on the 4th of July of 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. At that time 13 of the British colonies located along the east coast of today's United States conducted a war with the English king and parliament as they believed that the king's treatment was unfair. The war started in 1775.
There is a common misunderstanding that the independence actually was proclaimed on the fourth of July. But in fact the legal separation from the United Kingdom if Great Britain occurred on the second of July. On this day the resolution of independence proposed by Richard Henry Lee was approved by the Second Continental Congress vote. The Declaration of Independence itself was a statement that explained the details of this decision made by the congress. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration.
A common tradition maintained by millions of Americans on this day is attending picnics, barbecues, reuniting with relatives and friends. Independence Day Fireworks are another common tradition widely observed throughout the country. Fireworks are usually accompanied by patriotic songs like the national anthem. Due to safety concerns fireworks have been forbidden in some states or areas or their types have been restricted. Sometimes festivities may be organized on days other than the 4th of July if it falls on a weekday.