By Katy Preston, Zhang & Associates, P.C.

This Friday, July 4, is Independence Day in the United States. The most prominent tradition associated with the Fourth of July is watching fireworks—whether people set them off themselves or go see a show. Other outdoor activities like parades, barbecues, and carnivals also abound.

Contrary to the beliefs of some, the Fourth of July does not commemorate the ultimate military victory of the colonies over Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence (the war itself did not end until 1783).

In fact, July 4 wasn’t even the first time that Congress officially declared the independence of the United States; this happened two days earlier, on July 2. Still, celebrations were held on July 4 as early as 1777, perhaps because of the power of the Declaration itself in addition to the significance of its being passed. The Declaration of Independence includes the following famous words:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Some of which were repeated almost 100 years later, during another national crisis (the American Civil War), by President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

And again by Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement:

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

This spirit of equality between all men and women has historically extended to immigrants as well. Throughout the past 100 years, various Fourth of July celebrations have included large-scale naturalization ceremonies for immigrants to the United States. Furthermore, in a larger sense, Independence Day celebrates all of America’s history, culture, and traditions, in which immigrants have played a crucial role.

In addition to the more traditional celebrations including fireworks, parades, and picnics, some exciting celebrations that will be held this year are:

– A Capital Fourth: This free concert is held annually on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and broadcast live on PBS. It will be accompanied by fireworks over the Washington Monument, live cannon fire, and a salute to the U.S. Olympic athletes.

– Welcome America: This festival is currently underway in Philadelphia. One highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.

– Boston Harborfest: This festival includes multiple concerts, a beach party, the 27th Annual Chowderfest—a competition between restaurants for the title of “Boston’s Best Chowder.”

– Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza: The appeal of this event, located in New Orleans, is evident in its title. Plenty of other activities are also included.

– Freedom Over Texas: This celebration in downtown Houston features America’s largest land-based fireworks show, a country-music concert, and plenty of family activities.

– Taste of Chicago: This celebration features plenty of great food from over 65 Chicago restaurants, as well multiple concerts and a fireworks display.

– Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks: The theme of this year’s show, which is a New York City tradition, is “America Dances.” The show will feature dance-themed songs.

You can check this website or your local newspaper for information about a celebration near you.

We hope that our clients and other readers proudly celebrate the Fourth of July as their national day in the future, just as we do now. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

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Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients nationwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled thousands of immigration cases.
At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, and I-485 cases. In the past twelve years, we have successfully helped thousands of clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.
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