Fourth of July

Fourth of July, Independence Day, or July Fourth, U.S. holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebration of it began during the American Revolution. It has been the most important patriotic holiday ever since. Traditionally it has been celebrated with the firing of guns and fireworks, parades, open-air meetings, and patriotic speeches. Today local ordinances prevent much of the former display of fireworks and use of firearms.

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Independence Day

 or Fourth of July

Anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress (July 4, 1776). It is the greatest secular holiday in the country. Celebrating the day became common only after the War of 1812. Thereafter, civic-minded groups worked to link the ideals of democracy and citizenship to the patriotic spirit of the day.

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Fourth of July

Independence Day; traditional U.S. holiday; anniversary of adoption of Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776). [Am. Culture: EB, V: 326]

See : America

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Fourth of July

American independence day. [Am. Culture: Misc.]

See : Freedom

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Fourth of July

“Independence Day”; day celebrating adoption of the Declaration of Independence. [Am. Hist.: Misc.]

See : Patriotism

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Fourth of July

July 4

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock, the president of the Congress, was the first to sign the document, using a clear and distinctive hand, thus giving rise to the expression "John Hancock" for one's signature.
As the most important national holiday in the U.S., Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is traditionally celebrated with fireworks displays, family picnics, parades, band concerts, and patriotic speeches. It is observed throughout the United States and U.S. territories.

CONTACTS:
U.S. Government Printing Office
732 N. Capitol St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20401
866-512-1800 or 202-512-1530; fax: 202-512-2104
www.gpo.gov
Fourth of July Celebrations Database
James R. Heintze, librarian
American University Library
Washington, DC 20016
202-885-3205; fax: 202-885-3226
www.american.edu

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 500
BkFest-1937, p. 18
BkHolWrld-1986, Jul 4
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 169
FolkAmerHol-1999, p. 276
GdUSFest-1984, pp. 165, 201, 220
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 90
OxYear-1999, p. 281
PatHols-2006, p. 127

Celebration day: Jul 4

Celebrated in: Denmark

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Fourth of July (Denmark)

July 4

The Fourth of July celebration held in Aalborg, Denmark, each year since 1912 was started by an American of Danish descent, Dr. Max Henius of Chicago. He bought 200 acres of land in Rebild and deeded the land to King Christian X, with the stipulation that his fellow Danish Americans be allowed to celebrate the Fourth of July there every year.
The area is now a national park to which about 35,000 people come to observe America's Independence Day. A replica of the Liberty Bell is rung, the national anthems of both countries are sung by stars from the Royal Danish Opera, military bands perform, and there are bilingual readings of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. As a permanent shrine for Americans of Danish ancestry, there is a replica of the log cabin in which Abraham Lincoln lived as a young boy.

CONTACTS:
Aalborg Tourist and Convention Bureau
Ossteragade 8
P.O. Box 1862
Aalborg, DK-9000 Denmark
45-99-31-75-00; fax: 45-99-31-75-19
www.visitaalborg.com/international/en-gb/menu/tour

SOURCES:
GdWrldFest-1985, p. 70

Celebration day: Jul 4

Celebrated in: Denmark