Happy 4th of July From your friends at All Star Travel
America’s favorite holiday is known as the 4th of July and Independence Day, and it brings out the patriot in all of us. July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-1783). With the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in early 1776, a growing hunger for independence was on the rise. On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence which led to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.
Representatives of the 13 colonies wanted a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. So on July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of American independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” On July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.
JULY 4TH BECOMES A NATIONAL HOLIDAY
The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, it was expanded to include a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday has declined, but Independence Day remains an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism. Since 1776 until the present day, July 4th has become an American tradition celebrated as the birth of our American independence and how we have come to define who we are and what we stand for. Americans celebrate with festivities including fireworks, parades, concerts and family gatherings and barbecues.
CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The importance of the 4th of July often becomes hushed amidst the booming fireworks and marching bands. But every American knows that this holiday, above all others defines this country and its people! Test your patriotic knowledge with these 25 fun facts about Independence Day! The history of our country’s Flag is one every American should be familiar with, fly yours with honor!
New York
Come see an awesome fireworks display by Macy’s in New York! Check out even more July events in New York! Take an unforgettable fireworks cruise and experience the sky sparkle like never before.
Washington DC
Boston’s Harbor Festival brings more to enjoy each year! Northwest Fourth Fest is a BLAST! But our nation’s capital leads the country in celebration swagger. Start with the National Independence Day Parade, then take in the sights, smells and flavors of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival Then end the night with a BANG watching red, white and blue fireworks over the Washington Monument!
Florida celebrates Independence Day with warm breezes and tropical flavors. Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas hosts patriotic celebrations that light up the sky. Click here for a list of the nation’s best rated fireworks display. USA Today has their own list of the country’s best firework displays that will not disappoint. No matter where you travel this year for a 4th of July celebration, make sure you get the best travel deals available!
Wherever you decide to go – count on All Star Travel for the best rental car rates! Check out our hot summer deals, and learn how we get such amazing prices on rental cars. Your money works overtime at All Star Travel; for every booking we take, we make a donation to a pediatric cancer research center, to help defeat childhood cancer.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July, from all of us at All Star Travel.