Independence Day in the US
2024-07-04
LRC
TXT
大字
小字
滚动
全页
1The United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4.
2John Adams, who later became America's second president, wrote to his wife in 1776 that the day would be remembered with fireworks and celebrations "from one End of this Continent to the other."
3But the day he was talking about was July 2, 1776, not July 4. July 2 is the day the Continental Congress of the original 13 colonies voted for independence from Britain.
4Congress did not officially sign the Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, until two days later.
5Pauline Maier was a historian who wrote the 1997 book American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence.
6She wrote that in early July of 1777, members of the Continental Congress nearly forgot that it had been a year since they declared their freedom from the British.
7They remembered on July 3. It was too late to celebrate on July 2. So, they decided to mark the country's independence with a celebration the following day: July 4.
8The Pennsylvania Evening Post of Philadelphia reported, "Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity."
9At night, the Post said, "There was a grand exhibition of fireworks...and the city was beautifully illuminated."
10The tradition of celebrating Independence Day started to expand after the War of 1812 against Britain.
11Such celebrations were mostly held on July 4.
12John Adams, however, still believed that Americans should celebrate their independence on July 2.
13Historians say Adams reportedly turned down invitations to take part in July 4 events until the day he died. Adams died on July 4, 1826.
14That same day, Thomas Jefferson also died.
15The two men and former presidents were friends as well as rivals.
16They both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
17In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th an official holiday.
18In July 1776, the U.S. was a country of 2.5 million people. It is now a country of 336 million, the U.S. Census reports.
19These days, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and other festivities.
20In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organizers are holding a 16-day festival of fireworks, music, and food to celebrate "America's birthday in America's birthplace!"
21But the biggest Fourth of July fireworks show is in New York City.
22It can be seen in the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut. It is also broadcast nationwide on television.
23The small village of Lewes, Delaware celebrates the holiday and its coastal history with the Independence Day Boat Parade.
24In Los Angeles, California, movie lovers can choose to celebrate the holiday by watching old Hollywood films from the grassy area of the historic Hollywood Forever cemetery.
25And far north in Anchorage, Alaska, Independence Day traditions include food, games and late-night fireworks.
26With 19 hours of daylight this time of year, the fireworks show does not start until midnight.
27I'm Jill Robbins.
1The United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4. 2John Adams, who later became America's second president, wrote to his wife in 1776 that the day would be remembered with fireworks and celebrations "from one End of this Continent to the other." 3But the day he was talking about was July 2, 1776, not July 4. July 2 is the day the Continental Congress of the original 13 colonies voted for independence from Britain. Congress did not officially sign the Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, until two days later. 4First July 4 celebration 5Pauline Maier was a historian who wrote the 1997 book American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. She wrote that in early July of 1777, members of the Continental Congress nearly forgot that it had been a year since they declared their freedom from the British. 6They remembered on July 3. It was too late to celebrate on July 2. So, they decided to mark the country's independence with a celebration the following day: July 4. 7The Pennsylvania Evening Post of Philadelphia reported, "Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity." 8At night, the Post said, "There was a grand exhibition of fireworks...and the city was beautifully illuminated." 9Becoming official holiday 10The tradition of celebrating Independence Day started to expand after the War of 1812 against Britain. Such celebrations were mostly held on July 4. 11John Adams, however, still believed that Americans should celebrate their independence on July 2. Historians say Adams reportedly turned down invitations to take part in July 4 events until the day he died. Adams died on July 4, 1826. 12That same day, Thomas Jefferson also died. The two men and former presidents were friends as well as rivals. They both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 13In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th an official holiday. 14Modern-day celebrations 15In July 1776, the U.S. was a country of 2.5 million people. It is now a country of 336 million, the U.S. Census reports. These days, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and other festivities. 16In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organizers are holding a 16-day festival of fireworks, music, and food to celebrate "America's birthday in America's birthplace!" 17But the biggest Fourth of July fireworks show is in New York City. It can be seen in the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut. It is also broadcast nationwide on television. 18The small village of Lewes, Delaware celebrates the holiday and its coastal history with the Independence Day Boat Parade. 19In Los Angeles, California, movie lovers can choose to celebrate the holiday by watching old Hollywood films from the grassy area of the historic Hollywood Forever cemetery. 20And far north in Anchorage, Alaska, Independence Day traditions include food, games and late-night fireworks. With 19 hours of daylight this time of year, the fireworks show does not start until midnight. 21I'm Jill Robbins. 22Hai Do wrote this report for VOA Learning English. 23______________________________________________ 24Words in This Story 25original - adj. happening or existing at the beginning 26illuminated - adj. lit by bright lights 27rival - n. someone who is as good as one tries to defeat