What Is the 4th of July, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Kelly Kuehn, Updated: Jun. 30, 2022
Reader's Digest
Let freedom ring—and the fireworks bang!
Your complete guide to the 4th of July
What is the 4th of July, anyway? July 4th (also known as Independence Day) is an American holiday celebrated annually. Some bonus trivia: The holiday falls on a Monday this year, giving many Americans a three-day holiday weekend. While you’re thinking of fun 4th of July ideas for this year’s celebration (like planning a trip to see the best fireworks, shopping great sales, or sharing meaningful quotes on social media), you may wonder about the 4th of July’s history and its meaning to this nation. Why do we celebrate it each year? Well, don’t worry—we’re breaking it down for you with this 4th of July guide.
Read on to learn why we celebrate Independence Day, its history, and what you can do to celebrate this national holiday. Then, learn some interesting facts about the Declaration of Independence—and how it’s different from the Constitution.
