Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Independence Day celebrations. It contains links to census and demographic information, CRS reports, sample speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, and presidential proclamations and remarks. It also contains links to selected historical and cultural resources.
On July 4, 1777, the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence was marked by a nearly spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia, as described in a letter by John Adams to Abigail Adams. Although officially adopted on July 4, 1776, the vote by the Continental Congress to approve the Declaration of Independence occurred two days prior, on July 2, 1776. Adams originally predicted that celebrations would occur annually on this earlier date, as noted in a letter to Abigail Adams in 1776:
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
However, after that initial celebration in 1777, the traditional observance of Independence Day on the Fourth of July took hold, becoming commonplace after the War of 1812.
Congress declared July 4 an official holiday in the District of Columbia in 1870 (16 Stat.168) and a paid holiday for federal employees in 1938 (52 Stat. 1246).
16 Stat. 168, June 28, 1870.
52 Stat. 1246, June 29, 1938. [Page 1287 of PDF]
P.L. 86-362, September 22, 1959. [PDF]
CRS Report R41990, Federal Holidays: Evolution and Current Practices, by [author name scrubbed].
Members of Congress often make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and observances. The following are some recent examples that may be of assistance in preparing such statements:
Senator Ben Cardin, "Independence Day," remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 160 (June 26, 2014), p. S4142.
Representative Pete Sessions, "238 Years Ago This Day in Honor of Our Armed Forces and Their Families This Independence Day," Extension of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 160 (June 26, 2014), p. E1076.
Representative Ted Poe, "It's the Fourth of July," remarks in the House, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 159 (June 28, 2013), pp. H4161-H4162.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, "Independence Day 2012," remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 158 (June 28, 2012), p. S4718.
Senator Bill Nelson, "Fourth of July Message for the Troops," remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 157 (June 30, 2011), p. S4287.
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call attention to certain issues or events. Some recent proclamations commemorating Independence Day from the Compilation of Presidential Documents include the following:
Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration—President Barack Obama, July 4, 2014 [Video]
Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration—President Barack Obama, July 4, 2013 [Video]
Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration—President Barack Obama, July 4, 2012 [Video]
Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration—President Barack Obama, July 4, 2011 [Video]
Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration—President Barack Obama, July 4, 2010 [Video]
Message on the Observance of Independence Day—President Barack Obama, July 2, 2010
Earlier presidential proclamations are available through the Federal Digital System (FDsys) on the Government Publishing Office website.
Additional speeches delivered by notable historical figures include the following:
John Quincy Adams, "Speech on Independence Day," delivered on July 4, 1821.
Frederick Douglass, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" delivered on July 5, 1852.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Fourth Of July Address," delivered on July 4, 1941. [Audio]
Many federal agencies maintain statistics on Fourth of July celebrations. Two that may be useful are
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features: The Fourth of July 2014.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (via USA.gov), Firework Injury Stats and Safety Tips.
Numerous government resources provide information on the history and culture of the holiday. Some of these include the following:
USA.gov, "Fourth of July Is Independence Day." Contains links to information about the history of the holiday, on fireworks safety, laws and celebrations, and tips on celebration safety. Highlights include
U.S. Department of State, "Independence Day, July 4." Pamphlet includes the history of Independence Day, the Liberty Bell, and the song "America, The Beautiful" (with sheet music).
National Park Service, "National Mall Independence Day Celebration." Includes information about the July 4 fireworks show on the National Mall, the history and culture of the event, and activities for kids.