Coming in the midst of warm summer days, the celebration of US independence on the 4^th of July is one of Americans’ favorite holidays.

The holiday dates back to July 4, 1776, when the first Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson. While it is a little-remembered fact that Congress actually voted in favor of independence on July 2, Congress only finalised the Declaration on July 4 and that day has been recognised as independence day ever since.

My own favourite memories of the 4th of July are of the parades more than anything else ... ... For me, it’s really the connections to friends and family that are the best part of the day.

In an era when many public holidays have moved to a Monday to ensure a three-day weekend, the 4^th of July is one of the few that is celebrated on the actual date itself.

In towns large and small around the United States, the festivities often begin midday with a big parade. Even in smaller communities of just a few hundred or several thousand residents, there are parades that include children waving flags, local celebrities being ferried along in antique cars, local boy scout or girl scout groups and high school bands. Many people dress up in the American colors of red, white and blue, adding a festive touch to the occasion. In larger cities the parades often includes marching bands, floats and military units.

Starting anytime from lunchtime onwards, or sometimes from late in the afternoon as temperatures start to cool down, families and friends gather for a barbecue. The smell of hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill wafts through most neighbourhoods. Pies, cakes and drinks make the meal even tastier. It’s a time just to enjoy a lazy afternoon, catch up with family, chat with friends and celebrate the freedoms Americans value so strongly.

My own favourite memories of the 4^th of July are of the parades more than anything else. In the neighborhood where I grew up, the community appoints a parade marshal and everyone follows the marshal around the neighbourhood. The barbecue afterwards is always a great way to catch up with neighbours. The small town of several thousand people near the summer camp where I worked in summers during college also had a similar parade, and we took the campers to participate. For me, it’s really the connections to friends and family that are the best part of the day.

A number of cities also organise concerts by military bands, symphonies or other musical groups. The music often includes patriotic favorites like America the Beautiful, God Bless America and This Land is Your Land. One of the largest celebrations, in Washington DC, also includes a parade, folk life festival, bands and fireworks on the National Mall.

As it begins to get dark, it’s time for fireworks. Since sunset in the long days of the northern hemisphere’s summer actually only happens around 9 p.m. or later in many towns, and since it stays light even longer, fireworks displays may well start at 9 p.m. or later.

Families often organise a small fireworks celebration at home. Young children run around with sparklers while the adults or older children light off firecrackers, “roman candles” and other larger fireworks. Even in cities or states where the sale of fireworks is not allowed, people can sometimes purchase them on American Indian reservations that come under a different set of laws and they can still set off these fireworks at home.

Cities often organise much more elaborate fireworks displays, with spectacular displays roaring into the nighttime skies. Families gather from around town to watch the fantastic colors and designs soaring overhead, sometimes synchronized with music as well.

As the day winds down, families head home having spent time with the people they hold most dear and having celebrated the independence and freedoms they enjoy in the United States.

Around the world, Americans abroad also gather to celebrate this special day. Here in Singapore, the American Association of Singapore organises an afternoon and evening of children’s games, music, food, fireworks and fun to celebrate the occasion. Thousands of Americans and friends of the United States gather to celebrate not just America but also the values inherent in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

In collaboration with the American Association, the SIF will be bringing a local twist to the association's 4th of July celebrations this year. Come on down to the Singapore Kopitiam tent, where a host of exciting activities awaits! Cilck here for more details!