LESSON TRANSCRIPT

Advanced Audio Blog S3 #19

Top 10 US Holidays: Independence
Day

# 19
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T op 10 US Holidays—Independence Day

T he Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States, is typically
celebrated by fireworks displays all over the country. Some of the most-watched
fireworks displays include those at the National Mall and at Mount Rushmore. Many
towns and locales have their own fireworks displays on the evening of the fourth, and
Americans typically have backyard barbecues and celebrations in honor of their
country's independence. Americans also enjoy setting off fireworks themselves,
although this is banned or restricted in many parts of the country. In some areas there
are so many fireworks being set off by private residents that police can do little, if
anything, to enforce the law, which was put in place for safety reasons.

Independence Day dates back to 1776, which was the day the Continental Congress
approved the Declaration of Independence for the United States. However, it wasn't
until 1781 when the states started to pick it up as a state holiday. Massachusetts
was the first state to do so. T he very first celebration of Independence Day was held in
Maine in 1820, and Congress made the Fourth of July an official federal holiday in
1870. However, federal employees did not receive pay for the day off until 1838.

T he week or especially the weekend around the Fourth of July is typically a very busy
travel day in the United States because many Americans travel to see friends and
family, making a long weekend out of the holiday.Boating and camping are two
activities often enjoyed for Independence Day.

ENGLI S HCLAS S 101.COM ADVANCED AUDI O BLOG S 3 #19 - T OP 10 US HOLI DAYS : I NDEPENDENCE DAY 2