NEW YORK (AP) — The July 4 holiday, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ secession from Great Britain.
A year later, the anniversary of American independence was spontaneously celebrated in Philadelphia, the Library of Congress reports.
But observations did not become commonplace until after the War of 1812, when they quickly became popular. Congress was late to the celebration, eventually passing a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
Here’s what’s open and closed on July 4th this year:
Government buildings
Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed.
Banks and the stock market
US stock markets and banks are closed on Thursday.
Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services are not available on Independence Day.
Retailers
Warehouse membership club Costco said it would be closed on July 4, but the vast majority of major national retailers will be open, with some offering promotions to lure customers. Hours may vary by location, so check with your local store.
trip
Because the Fourth of July holiday falls on a Thursday, many Americans plan to take Friday off as well so they can travel for a long weekend.
AAA predicts that 70.9 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday week from Saturday, June 29, through Sunday, July 7. The expected number of travelers for that period is up 5% from last year and up 8% from 2019.
AAA predicts a record 60.6 million people will travel by car during the holiday week, up 2.8 million travelers from last year. AAA predicts a record 5.74 million people will fly to their destinations on the Fourth of July, up nearly 7 percent from last year and a 12 percent jump from 2019.
