America’s Independence Day is marked by fireworks every year

Today is the 247th birthday of the United States of America.

On this day Americans celebrate the adoption of the US Declaration of Independence. Its main author was Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America (1801-1809).

It all started when the 13 colonies seceded from Great Britain, with which they had been at war since April 1775.

The first celebration was held a year after the declaration of independence in Philadelphia, which at that time was the capital of the USA.

Much later, in 1938, the 4th of July also became a day off for everyone.

Americans often celebrate the national holiday by wearing the colors of the American flag: red, white, and blue.

Rebecca Svetina, an American living in Slovenia, has some fond memories of the 4^th of July.

When I was a kid on the 4^th of July, we always had a picnic at my aunt’s house. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. During the day we swam in the pool, and in the evening we made s’mores around the campfire.

Rebecca Svetina

Otherwise, on the 4th of July in America, everything revolves around family picnics and fireworks.

Fireworks became part of the American Independence Day during the first celebration on July 4, 1777 in Philadelphia.

At that time, a ship anchored in the harbor fired 13 shots from the cannon. These symbolized each of the 13 original independent colonies.

The largest fireworks display is held in New York every year. It’s called the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and it lasts for a whopping 25 minutes.

Glossary

A colony is a country that is under the authority of an economically stronger country from which it is geographically separated.

Points to Consider

1. Do you know when we celebrate Independence Day in Slovenia?
2. How does Slovenia celebrate its Independence Day?
3. Do you know any other Slovene public holidays?

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The original version of this article was published on July 4^th.