As the United States prepares to mark the 278th anniversary of its independence, all federal offices will be closed on Thursday. This day has been an important federal holiday since 1776, when colonies in the US gained independence from British rule. The closure of offices and businesses is a way to commemorate the holiday and participate in the celebrations, which include parades, fireworks, and speeches.
Independence Day in the United States: A Historical and Celebratory Overview
Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 4th, commemorates the United States' declaration of independence from British colonial rule. This pivotal moment in American history marked the inception of a new nation, founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance.
Historical Background
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, penned primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document declared the Thirteen Colonies' separation from Great Britain, asserting their right to self-determination.
The war for independence ensued, culminating in the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized the United States' sovereignty. July 4th was chosen as Independence Day in recognition of the Declaration of Independence's adoption.
Commemoration and Celebrations
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States, with government offices and many businesses closed. The day is typically celebrated with parades, fireworks, picnics, and other patriotic events.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is Independence Day celebrated on July 4th? It is celebrated on July 4th because the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 2nd, 1776, and the holiday is observed on the closest day to that date.
2. What is the significance of the Declaration of Independence? The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the United States' separation from British rule and established the fundamental principles upon which the nation was founded.
3. What are some traditional Independence Day activities? Common activities include attending parades, watching fireworks, having cookouts and picnics, and participating in community events.
4. How many states were involved in the Declaration of Independence? Thirteen Colonies comprised the United States at the time of the Declaration of Independence.
5. What is the history of Independence Day celebrations? Independence Day celebrations have been held since the earliest days of the United States and have evolved over time to include various patriotic activities and festivities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took charge as the Minister of Cooperation, with a focus on strengthening the rural economy and empowering farmers, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sahkaar Se Samriddhi'. In his tweet, Shah expressed commitment to bringing positive change in the lives of millions associated with this sector. This comes as an important development in the Modi 3.0 government and is expected to give rise to new opportunities for the growth of the cooperative sector.
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, releases a video exposing the plot behind her husband's arrest. She claims that an NDA MP falsely accused Kejriwal of corruption after his son was arrested by ED. Sunita urges the public to support her "kattar imaandar" husband and questions the actions of Modi government in this political conspiracy.
The death of BSP state president K Armstrong has led to outrage and protests in Tamil Nadu, with supporters claiming that his murder was planned. The police have detained eight suspects, but political leaders and supporters have expressed doubts about their involvement. With demands for a CBI investigation, the murder has raised further questions and concerns in the state's political landscape.
On the 123rd birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the nationalist leader. Shah said that every Indian is indebted to Mookerjee for his tireless efforts towards the unity and integrity of the country. Mookerjee was also remembered for his resignation from Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet and the founding of Jana Sangh, which later became the ideological parent organization of the BJP.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended the principal and vice principal of a school in Jharkhand for their involvement in the NEET-UG paper leak case. The principal, Ehsanul Haque, was also designated as the city coordinator for the medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Vice Principal Imtiaz Alam, who served as the NTA's observer and centre coordinator at the same school, has also been arrested. The CBI will be interrogating 13 other accused who are currently held in Beul Jail. Stay tuned for more updates on the ABP LIVE website.
The recent inspection conducted by the Core Committee of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme at Rumdamol and the Industrial Estate in Sao Jose de Areal, has uncovered several urgent issues that require immediate attention. The accumulation of uncleared garbage, abandoned vehicles, blocked gutters, and illegal scrap storage in unlicensed industrial sheds are all contributing to the rise in vector-borne diseases in the area. The committee has stressed the need for better housing conditions, regulatory oversight, and effective use of the Public Health Act to combat the spread of diseases. This situation serves as a wake-up call for both society and the concerned authorities.
The Delhi High Court has asked for the Central Bureau of Investigation's stand on Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea in connection with a corruption case. The court listed the matter for hearing on July 17 and also noted that the petition may be considered at the time of arguments. Kejriwal's lawyer argued that he should be granted bail as there is no possibility of flight risk, non-cooperation, or influencing witnesses. However, the CBI argued that a writ petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and three-day remand is already listed for hearing on the same date. The court also questioned why Kejriwal had not filed a bail plea before the trial court.
Moderate candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has won Iran's presidential election in a runoff against hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Supporters took to the streets to celebrate as the results were announced, but Iran still faces challenges in navigating its relationship with the West, tensions in the Middle East, and a looming election in the United States. The low turnout in this election, the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic, reflects the strain on the country's Shiite theocracy. However, officials have predicted a higher participation rate, with turnout ultimately at 49.6%.
Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally killed outside his house in Chennai by six bike-borne men. An advocate and known Dalit leader, his murder has been condemned by BSP chief Mayawati who has demanded swift action and justice from the state government. An investigation is currently ongoing to determine the motive behind the gruesome killing.
The political world was shocked by the gruesome killing of Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Known as a strong Dalit voice in the state, Armstrong was brutally attacked by six men near his house in Chennai and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The state government must take swift action to ensure that the guilty are punished for this deplorable crime.