Fourth of July: Let Freedom RingWhen the air conditioner breaks or the car overheats in the peak of summer, it's hard to feel thankful. But for one day in July when the mercury is pushed to its limits, Americans stop to remember a time of greater hardship and sacrifice.
On the Fourth of July — Independence Day — we celebrate our freedom as a unified nation. We give thanks to those long ago who envisioned and fought for our land of liberty. And we honor the men and women who still fight to keep America standing strong.
Our Independence Day is designated as the day the 13 original colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 establishing the United States as a separate nation free from the rule of Great Britain.
A 13-gun salute, musical acts and fireworks helped to establish the familiar traditions we still enjoy today.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. It wasn't until 1938, more than 162 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that the Fourth of July became an official paid federal holiday.
Honoring Those Who Serve
While most Americans pass the day with their loved ones, members of the U.S. military remain on duty to guard against tyranny and stamp out injustice around the globe. They stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, carrying on the vision set forth in the declaration itself.
On Independence Day, we salute those who protect our freedom to celebrate.
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