Independence Day

Independence Day: see Fourth of July.

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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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Independence Day

Fourth of July; U.S. patriotic holiday celebrating the Declaration of Independence. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 990]

See : Independence

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Jamhuri (Kenya Independence Day)

December 12

The biggest of the national holidays in Kenya, Jamhuri is observed to commemorate the full independence of Kenya from the British in 1963. A year later, the country became a republic with Jomo Kenyatta (c. 1894-1978) the first president. The day is celebrated nationwide but with special events in Nairobi—speeches by the president and other officials, parades, fireworks, and ngomas (dances) performed in public plazas.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya
2249 R St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-387-6101; fax: 202-462-3829
www.kenyaembassy.com

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 206
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 226

Celebration day: Dec 12