United States Observes Independence Day Annually

Why it matters locally: As the nation's capital, the District of Columbia is the focal point for many national Independence Day celebrations and ceremonies, significantly impacting local operations and tourism for the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

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The United States recognizes Independence Day as a federal holiday. Americans commonly refer to this day as the Fourth of July. The holiday falls on July 4 annually. Citizens commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on this date. The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This act established the United States of America as an independent nation.