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Five surprising facts about the Fourth of July

Why is the Fourth of July celebrated with fireworks?

Should election day be made a national holiday like independence day.

What is the Declaration of Independence?
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
Where is the Declaration of Independence?

Independence Day

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Library of Congress - Today in History - July 4
Public Broadcasting Service - A Capitol Fourth - The History of America's Independence Day
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John Trumbull's depiction of July 4, 1776

When is Independence Day in the United States?

Independence Day is celebrated in the United States on July 4. Often the holiday is called the Fourth of July.

What is the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

In Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks signify national pride and patriotism. They had been used in China since at least the 12th century, and in the 15th century they became popular with European monarchs as a way to celebrate national triumphs, the restoration of peace, and the monarchs’ own birthdays. Fireworks have been part of Independence Day in the United States since its first celebration, in 1777.

Why did the North American colonies declare independence?

The Declaration of Independence , passed on July 4, 1776, reflected widespread dissatisfaction in the colonies with increased British control. Colonists especially opposed a series of unpopular laws and taxes enacted by Britain beginning in 1764, including the Sugar Act , the Stamp Act , and the so-called Intolerable Acts .

Whether election day should be made a national holiday like Independence Day is debated. Some say a holiday would increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote while celebrating democracy. Others say a holiday would disadvantage low-income and blue collar workers and corporations should have better policies for voting time off. For more on the debate about making election day a national holiday, visit ProCon.org .

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Independence Day , in the United States , the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

The Congress had voted in favour of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not actually complete the process of revising the Declaration of Independence, originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams , Benjamin Franklin , Roger Sherman , and William Livingston , until two days later. The celebration was initially modeled on that of the king’s birthday, which had been marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn processions, and oratory . Such festivals had long played a significant role in the Anglo-American political tradition. Especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, when dynastic and religious controversies racked the British Empire (and much of the rest of Europe), the choice of which anniversaries of historic events were celebrated and which were lamented had clear political meanings. The ritual of toasting the king and other patriot-heroes—or of criticizing them—became an informal kind of political speech, further formalized in mid-18th century when the toasts given at taverns and banquets began to be reprinted in newspapers.

In the early stages of the revolutionary movement in the colonies during the 1760s and early ’70s, patriots used such celebrations to proclaim their resistance to Parliament’s legislation while lauding King George III as the real defender of English liberties. However, the marking of the first days of independence during the summer of 1776 actually took the form in many towns of a mock funeral for the king, whose “death” symbolized the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty.

During the early years of the republic, Independence Day was commemorated with parades , oratory, and toasting in ceremonies that celebrated the existence of the new nation. These rites played an equally important role in the evolving federal political system . With the rise of informal political parties, they provided venues for leaders and constituents to tie local and national contests to independence and the issues facing the national polity. By the mid-1790s the two nascent political parties held separate partisan Independence Day festivals in most larger towns. Perhaps for this reason, Independence Day became the model for a series of (often short-lived) celebrations that sometimes contained more explicit political resonance , such as George Washington’s birthday and the anniversary of Jefferson’s inauguration while he served as president (1801–09).

The bombastic torrent of words that characterized Independence Day during the 19th century made it both a serious occasion and one sometimes open to ridicule—like the increasingly popular and democratic political process itself in that period. With the growth and diversification of American society, the Fourth of July commemoration became a patriotic tradition which many groups—not just political parties—sought to claim. Abolitionists , women’s rights advocates, the temperance movement , and opponents of immigration (nativists) all seized the day and its observance, in the process often declaring that they could not celebrate with the entire community while an un-American perversion of their rights prevailed.

With the rise of leisure , the Fourth of July emerged as a major midsummer holiday . The prevalence of heavy drinking and the many injuries caused by setting off fireworks prompted reformers of the late 19th and the early 20th century to mount a Safe and Sane Fourth of July movement. During the later 20th century, although it remained a national holiday marked by parades, concerts of patriotic music , and fireworks displays, Independence Day declined in importance as a venue for politics. It remains a potent symbol of national power and of specifically American qualities—even the freedom to stay at home and barbecue .

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Fourth of July – Independence Day

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 24, 2024 | Original: December 16, 2009

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution . On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson . From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks , parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2023 is on Tuesday, July 4.

History of Independence Day

When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical.

By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in the bestselling pamphlet “ Common Sense ,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.

On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence.

Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts , Roger Sherman of Connecticut , Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York —to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain .

Did you know? John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence , which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Early Fourth of July Celebrations and Traditions

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.

Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war.

George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at the Battle of Yorktown , Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans—that had arisen began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.

Fourth of July Fireworks

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies . The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

Fourth of July Becomes a Federal Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812 , in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “ The Star-Spangled Banner ,” the national anthem of the United States.

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Essay on Independence Day

Independence Day Essay

500+ words essay on independence day (15 august) for students and children.

India celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August every year. Independence Day reminds us of all the sacrifices that were made by our freedom fighters to make India free from British rule. On 15th August 1947, India was declared independent from British colonialism and became the largest democracy in the world. In this Essay on Independence Day, students will find all the important details of India’s Independence History. They can refer to it for their exam preparation, as essays are mostly asked in the CBSE English paper. Also, they can use this essay as a speech for the Independence Day function at school.

15th August is celebrated as a national festival with flag hoisting, parades and cultural events.

Schools, colleges, offices, society complexes, and government and private organizations conduct functions and celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. On this day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation with a speech. Doordarshan broadcasts the entire event live on television. Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru performed the first flag-hoisting ceremony on 15th August 1947 .

History of Independence Day

Britishers have ruled India for almost 200 years. Under British rule, the lives of the Indian people were miserable. Indians were treated as slaves and had no right to say anything to them. Indian rulers were mere puppets in the hands of British officers. Indian soldiers were treated inhumanely in British camps, and farmers were dying of starvation as they could not grow crops and had to pay heavy land taxes.

Our freedom fighters struggled for India’s Independence. Famous leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Mangal Pandey, Dada Bhai Naoroji fought fearlessly against the Britishers. Many of them also sacrificed their lives to make India free from British rule. Their contribution and effort are remembered in India’s Independence history.

Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?

India achieved independence after years of struggle. India got complete freedom from the British and secured full autonomy on 15th August 1947. That’s why the day holds great significance in the heart of every Indian citizen living in India or abroad. India completed 73 years of freedom on 15h August 2020. This day also reminds us of the struggles of freedom fighters and the lives sacrificed by them in achieving independence. The pain that our heroes have gone through reminds us that the freedom we enjoy today has been earned by shedding the blood of lakhs of people. It also awakens a feeling of patriotism inside every citizen of India. It makes the present generation closely understand the struggles of the people at that time and acquaints them with the freedom fighters of India.

Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day generates a feeling of patriotism among people. It unites the people and makes them feel that we are one nation with so many different languages, religions and cultural values. Unity in diversity is the main essence and strength of India. We feel proud to be part of the largest democratic country in the world, where the power is in the hands of the common man.

We hope students found this essay on Independence Day interesting to read and helpful for their studies. For more information and the latest updates on CBSE & other Competitive exams, keep visiting BYJU’S. Also, download the BYJU’S App to watch interactive study videos.

Also Read: Republic Day Essay | Essay On Constitution of India | Essay on Women Empowerment

Frequently Asked Questions on Independence Day Essay

What is the meaning of independence.

Independence means freedom of any type of action without any control or influence.

When does our country India celebrate its Independence?

India was declared an Independent nation on the 15th of August, 1947.

Name a few freedom fighters of India.

Some of the great leaders who fought for India’s Independence were Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sarojini Naidu and Rani Laxmibai.

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Essay on Independence Day (15 August) for Students and Children

500+ words essay on independence day.

One of the most memorable days in Indian history is 15th August. It’s the day on which the Indian sub-continent got independence after a long struggle. India only has three national festivals that are celebrated by the whole nation as one. One being the Independence Day (15th August) and the other two being Republic Day (26th January) and Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October). After independence, India became the largest democracy in the world. We fought very hard to get our independence from the Britishers. In this essay on Independence Day, we are going to discuss the history and importance of Independence Day.

History of Our Independence Day

For almost two centuries the Britishers ruled over us. And the citizen of the country suffered a lot due to these oppressors. British officials treat us like slaves until we manage to fight back against them.

We struggled for our independence but work tirelessly and selflessly under the guidance of our leaders Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi , Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Bhagat Singh. Some of these leaders choose the path of violence while some choose non-violence. But the ultimate aim of these was to drive out the Britishers from the country. And on 15th August 1947, the long-awaited dream come true.

Why We Celebrate Independence Day?

To relive the moment and to enjoy the spirit of freedom and independence we celebrate Independence Day. Another reason is to remember the sacrifices and lives we have lost in this struggle. Besides, we celebrated it to remind us that this freedom that we enjoy is earned the hard way.

Apart from that, the celebration wakes up the patriot inside us. Along with celebration, the young generation is acquainted with the struggles of the people who lived at that time.

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Activities on Independence Day

Although it’s a national holiday the people of the country celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Schools, offices, societies, and colleges celebrate this day by organizing various small and big events.

Every year at Red Fort the Prime Minister of India host the national flag. In the honor of the occasion, 21 gunshots are fired. This is the begging of the main event. This event is later on followed by an army parade.

The school and colleges organize cultural events, fancy dress competitions, speech, debate, and quiz competition.

Importance of Independence Day

Every Indian holds a different viewpoint about Indian Independence. For some, it’s a reminder of the long struggle while for youngsters it stands for the glory and honor of the country. Above all, we can see the feeling of patriotism across the country.

The Indian’s celebrate Independence Day with a feeling of nationalism and patriotism across the country. On this day every citizen echoes with festive feeling and pride in the diversity and unity of the people. It’s not only a celebration of Independence but also of the unity in diversity of the country.

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Essay on Independence Day

Here we have shared the Essay on Independence Day in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Independence Day in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams.

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Essay on Independence Day in 150 words

Essay on independence day in 250-350 words, essay on independence day in 500-1000 words.

Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th in India to commemorate the country’s freedom from British rule in 1947. It is a day of national pride and unity. The main event takes place in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech highlighting the nation’s achievements and goals. Similar celebrations occur across the country, including flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs. Independence Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and a call to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and unity. It serves as a time for reflection on the progress made as a nation and a renewal of commitment to the country’s development. Independence Day inspires citizens to work together towards a brighter future and honor the privilege of living in a free and independent India.

Independence Day is a significant national holiday celebrated on the 15th of August every year in India. It commemorates the country’s freedom from British colonial rule and the birth of an independent nation. On this day in 1947, India gained its hard-fought independence after years of struggle and sacrifice.

Independence Day is marked by various festivities and patriotic fervor across the nation. The day begins with the hoisting of the national flag by the Prime Minister at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by a speech highlighting the achievements, challenges, and goals of the nation. The event is attended by thousands of people and broadcast nationwide.

The celebration continues throughout the country, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and patriotic songs. Schools, colleges, and other institutions organize special events to instill a sense of patriotism among the younger generation.

Independence Day is not just a day of celebration; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the responsibility we have as citizens to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and unity. It is a day to reflect on our progress as a nation and to renew our commitment to the development and welfare of our country.

Independence Day serves as a reminder that freedom is a hard-earned privilege and should never be taken for granted. It inspires us to work towards a better future, where every citizen can enjoy the fruits of independence and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

In conclusion, Independence Day is a momentous occasion in India’s history. It is a day of pride, remembrance, and celebration as we commemorate our freedom and honor the sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters. It is a reminder to cherish and protect the principles of democracy, equality, and unity that our nation stands for. Let us come together on this day to celebrate our independence and work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for our beloved country.

Title: Independence Day – Celebrating Freedom and Embracing National Unity

Introduction :

Independence Day is a momentous occasion celebrated on the 15th of August every year in India. It commemorates the country’s hard-fought freedom from British colonial rule, marking the birth of an independent nation. This essay explores the significance, historical context, and celebrations associated with Independence Day, highlighting the spirit of patriotism, unity, and national pride that characterizes this important day in India’s history.

Historical Significance

Independence Day holds immense historical significance. India’s struggle for freedom spanned several decades, marked by non-violent resistance, civil disobedience movements, and the tireless efforts of national leaders and freedom fighters. The culmination of these efforts came on August 15, 1947, when India achieved its independence and emerged as a sovereign nation.

Commemorative Celebrations

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the country. The main event takes place at the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech highlighting the nation’s achievements, challenges, and goals. The ceremony is attended by dignitaries, government officials, and thousands of citizens. The event is broadcasted nationwide, allowing people from all corners of the country to witness and participate in the celebrations.

Symbolism of the National Flag

The national flag, with its tricolor of saffron, white, and green, holds immense symbolism. The saffron represents courage and sacrifice, the white signifies purity and truth, and the green represents fertility and growth. The Ashoka Chakra, a wheel in navy blue at the center of the white stripe, represents progress, unity, and the spirit of India.

Cultural Programs and Parades

Independence Day is also marked by cultural programs and parades held in various parts of the country. Schools, colleges, and community organizations organize performances showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and theatrical presentations. These programs aim to instill a sense of patriotism, unity, and appreciation for the diverse cultural tapestry of the nation.

Reflection and Renewed Commitment

Independence Day is a time for reflection on the progress made as a nation and the challenges that lie ahead. It is an occasion to honor the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who laid the foundation for a free and democratic India. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have as citizens to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice. Independence Day renews our commitment to the development and welfare of our country, urging us to actively participate in nation-building.

Importance of Unity and Patriotism

Independence Day fosters a sense of unity and patriotism among citizens. It is a day when people come together, transcending differences of caste, religion, and language, to celebrate the spirit of freedom and nationhood. The day reminds us of the importance of unity in diversity and the need to stand united as a nation to overcome challenges and achieve progress.

Conclusion :

Independence Day is a momentous occasion that celebrates the spirit of freedom, unity, and patriotism. It commemorates the historic achievement of independence and honors the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight for freedom. The celebrations remind us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of democracy, equality, and justice. Independence Day serves as a call to action, urging citizens to actively contribute to the development and welfare of the nation. Let us come together on this day to celebrate our freedom, reflect on our journey as a nation, and renew our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous India.

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Essay on Importance of Independence Day

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Independence Day in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Independence Day

Significance of independence day.

Independence Day is a crucial event in a nation’s history. It marks the day when a country gained freedom from its colonizers. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and respect.

Symbol of National Pride

Independence Day serves as a symbol of national pride. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. Parades, flag hoisting, and cultural programs are held to honor our nation’s history.

Education and Unity

This day also educates the younger generation about their country’s past. It fosters a sense of unity and encourages us to uphold our country’s values and principles.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Independence Day

The significance of independence day.

Independence Day, celebrated globally in various nations, marks the fruition of a nation’s struggle for freedom. It is a day that signifies the triumph of principles such as self-determination, liberty, and national unity.

Symbol of National Identity

Celebration of freedom.

Independence Day is a celebration of freedom. It pays tribute to the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought tirelessly for their nation’s liberty. This day serves as a reminder that freedom is not a given; it is hard-earned and must be safeguarded diligently against any form of tyranny.

Platform for Reflection and Progress

Independence Day also serves as a platform for reflection and progress. It encourages citizens to reflect on their nation’s journey, the challenges overcome, and the milestones achieved. Simultaneously, it prompts introspection on the areas that need improvement, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nation-building.

Unity in Diversity

Finally, Independence Day underscores the concept of unity in diversity. It brings together people from different walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, or socio-economic backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared destiny.

In conclusion, Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a symbol of national identity, a celebration of freedom, a platform for reflection and progress, and a testament to unity in diversity. It is a day that inspires citizens to contribute towards their nation’s growth and prosperity.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Independence Day

Introduction: the significance of independence day.

Independence Day holds a significant place in any nation’s history. It is a day that marks the liberation from oppressive rule, the triumph of justice, and the birth of a nation’s sovereignty. This day is not just a mere holiday, but a symbol of national pride, unity, and the democratic spirit.

The Historical Context of Independence Day

Independence day: a time for reflection.

Independence Day is more than just a day for fireworks and festivities. It is a day for introspection and reflection on the values and principles that underpin our society. It is an opportunity to appreciate our democratic rights and freedoms and to consider our responsibilities as citizens. It is a time to reflect on our progress as a nation and to contemplate our future direction.

Independence Day: A Celebration of Unity and Diversity

Independence Day is a celebration of unity in diversity. It is a day when people of all races, religions, and cultures come together to celebrate their shared identity as citizens of a free nation. It is a day to appreciate the richness of our cultural diversity and to reaffirm our commitment to equality, justice, and mutual respect.

The Role of Independence Day in Nation-building

Conclusion: the enduring importance of independence day.

In conclusion, Independence Day is not just a date in the calendar but a powerful symbol of our freedom, unity, and national identity. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of our forebears, to celebrate our achievements as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of democracy, justice, and equality. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us reflect on its enduring significance and strive to uphold the values it represents in our daily lives.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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History of the Independence Day Research Paper

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Independence Day is one of the most significant celebrations in the United States because it reflects American values and reminds us of the crucial period in national history. Indeed, the second part of the eighteenth century was revolutionary as America abolished its dependence on the British Crown and established a sovereign country (Library of Congress, n. d.). This paper aims to explore the history behind the celebration and discuss why it is highly valued by Americans nationwide.

The Fourth of July unites all Americans as it is represented through parades, decorations, family gatherings, speeches, and fireworks, occurring in every town regardless of its inhabitants’ political or spiritual views. The celebration is dedicated to the pronouncement of The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America that happened at the Congress meeting in Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776 (Library of Congress, n. d.). Since the Great Discovery, North America’s lands belonged to the British Empire, which organized mining, production, trading, and slavery. The Crown provided American colonists with relatively high autonomy, making them pay taxes; however, in the 1760s, Britain passed regulations to get more economic control in the foreign country, resulting in major protests. The Stamp Act of 1765 and Townshend duties of 1767 led to colonists’ refusal to follow the laws, which disrupted the American economy, and inhabitants were also against the increased payments to the Empire (Library of Congress, n. d.). The disobedience resulted in the British government’s attempts to reduce the states’ autonomy and send the military to end the Americans’ protests.

The American Revolutionary War was the outcome of the tensions between Britain and the Thirteen Colonies united to defeat their enemy and succeeded in it, proclaiming the sovereignty on July 4, 1776. The military conflict became a crucial part of the States’ history because the common enemy enabled them to develop strong cooperative counties with the same values and shared recourses. Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence claimed that “all men are created equal,” the line that became crucial for American culture and liberal rights development (Library of Congress, n. d.). The Fourth of July is celebrated with honor by Americans because the historical events behind it display unique national values, such as freedom and equality.

Library of Congress (n. d.). Today in history – July 4.

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History of independence day.

Painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence

The Library of Congress

The Torch of Freedom

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

- John Adams July 3, 1776

This quote is an excerpt from John Adams’ letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. The emotions of this sharp-witted founding father speak of the momentous occasion. Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be the date to mark and celebrate forever our Declaration of Independence. Although the official date comes later, Americans have celebrated their country’s birth date, and have followed Adams’ advice ever since. Adams bore witness to, and was part of, the American dream for freedom. He was an example of how the new nation would carry on after the war by becoming our first vice-president, and our second president. Adams’ eloquent words put the historical significance of American independence, and the consequence for failure if it was not achieved, into focus.

Although the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom on July 2, 1776, no one signed the Declaration of Independence. Congress did sign the Lee Resolution, named for Virginian Richard Henry Lee, on July 2. This resolution contained three parts: separation from the British Crown, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, July 4, 1776, and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. Americans rejoiced as word spread throughout the newly declared independent states. Although independence had been declared, delegates of the Continental Congress had not yet inked their signatures onto the document. On August 2, 1776, when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, it became official.

Unfortunately, Americans were getting good and bad news at the same time. British troops were making landfall in New York as the Liberty Bell rang in Philadelphia. At that point, American and British forces already had been engaged in armed conflict for fifteen months. On July 9, 1776, General George Washington, while concentrating troops in New York City, ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud to his men. He hoped that they would find new meaning in the war for independence.

In 1777, the British occupied the capital city of Philadelphia while Washington and his men struggled through a brutal winter at Valley Forge , Pennsylvania. Nearly two thousand of Washington’s twelve thousand men died during that winter encampment. The Continental Army was hardened by the experience, and gained even greater resolve in the campaign to defeat the British. For the next four years, Americans would fight battle after battle against the mightiest military on earth.

Thanks to the military leadership of Washington, and the combined efforts of the French Navy and Washington's good friend and ally General Marquis de Lafayette, the British surrendered after the Siege of Yorktown on October 19, 1781. The fight for independence was over. The Treaty of Paris, signed between the United States and Great Britain on September 3, 1783, made it official. The United States had become a sovereign and independent nation after six years of valor and sacrifice.

The struggle to keep the torch of freedom lit to this day can be seen as one walks through National Mall and Memorial Parks . Since the Revolutionary War, the United States has fought many wars to defend freedom; all have come at a terrible cost. Freedom rings as loudly today as it did at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, thanks to our determination as a nation and a people. This park is home to the memory of our nation’s past, and we celebrate what Americans have achieved since the days of our founders. It is here that we honor the sacrifice of those lost in defense of freedom.

When one visits the World War II Memorial one finds the words "Here we mark the price of freedom" engraved in front of a wall of 4,048 gold stars. Each star represents one hundred Americans lost during the war. At the Korean War Veterans Memorial one finds the words "Freedom is not free," and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial one finds the names of 58,261 lives honored for their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty and country. Abraham Lincoln is draped in the Stars and Stripes at the Lincoln Memorial . Not only did he preserve our flag during the American Civil War, his policies helped end slavery. Six-hundred and twenty thousand Americans, north and south, were lost during the most costly war in our history. The message becomes clear as visitors experience these memorials; freedom has come at a great cost.

As we celebrate our nation's birthday, the National Park Service will proudly carry on the words of John Adams—"Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more"—with a brilliant fireworks display. These illuminations will light up the sky of our nation’s capital to inspire and remind us how fortunate we are to have the freedom that has been entrusted to us all."

The Signers of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Most of the delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the document on August 2, 1776. By putting their names on this paper, these men risked losing everything if the British won the American Revolution. Even though the Americans won, some of these men suffered severely by supporting independence. You can find out more information about the Signers and the memorial to them within Constitution Gardens (it is closed during the 4th due to being in the safety zone for the fireworks).

Fireworks | Maps | Plan Your Visit | Making the Fourth Happen

Join the festivities in Washington, DC, including the Independence Day Parade, Fireworks Display, and the Salute to America.

Find information to plan your trip around town on July 4, including directions, closures, security, and safety tips.

Share your DC Fourth of July experience on social media! Stay informed with alerts and fun-facts about the DC monuments.

View photos and videos of Independence Day festivities and preparations on the National Mall.

Take a moment to reflect on why millions of Americans gather for celebrations across the country on July 4th every year.

Ever wonder what it takes to put on a show for Independence Day in the nation's capital? Learn more about behind the scenes.

Last updated: September 30, 2019

Independence Day Essay

Each year India celebrates its Independence Day on 15 th August. It was on this day in 1947 that India had gained independence from United Kingdom. The day has a remarkable place in Indian history as the Indian Constituent Assembly was granted Legislative sovereignty by the Parliament of United Kingdom.

India celebrates its Independence Day with infinite zeal and passion. People throughout the nation; come out on streets, to take part in the celebrations, forgetting their demographic differences of caste, religion or culture. People love to carry their national flag with pride on this day and sing national anthem or any other patriotic song.

Long and Short Essay on Independence Day in English

Independence Day is one of the most significant festivals of India. The day lets us to rejoice in the spirit of freedom. We must also acknowledge the fact that we gained independence, because we fought for it together; it is only by staying together that we will be able to protect our independence, any further. Below, we have provided some effectively written essay on Independence Day, which will be useful for school going children during Independence Day events.

We have provided here both, short essay on Independence Day and long essay on Independence Day for your easiness and to fulfill all types of need related to Independence Day essay. Our short essays are written in very easy language so that students from classes 1, 2, and 3 can easily read and learn. Our long essays are very meaningful and useful for students of higher classes. These creatively written essays will be proved very useful in your essay writing competition, paragraph writing, debates, etc held in your school or other inter-school competitions. By going through these essays you will know about independence day in detail such as history, activities, significance, celebrations in schools, colleges, national capital, etc.

Independence Day Essay 1 (100 words)

The date, 15 th of August from 1947 in India has become a very important day in the Indian history. It was the luckiest day of year 1947 when India became independent after lots of hard struggle and sacrifices of the Indian freedom fighters. We won freedom after a hard struggle.

When India got its independence, the public of India had chosen their first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru who had unfurled the tricolour National Flag at the Red Fort in the national capital, New Delhi for the first time. All the people rejoice this special day with great joy every year.

Independence Day Essay 2 (150 words)

India got independence on 15 th of august in 1947, so people of India celebrate this special day every year as the Independence Day on 15 th of august. In the event celebration, organized in the National Capital, New Delhi, the Prime Minister of India unfurled the National Flag in the early morning at the Red fort where millions of people participate in the Independence Day ceremony.

During the celebration at Red Fort, New Delhi many tasks including March past are performed by the Indian army and cultural events by the school students are performed. After the national Flag hosting and national Anthem ( JANA GANA MANA ) recitation, the prime minister of India gives his annual speech.

At India’s Independence Day, we commemorate all the great personalities who had played their important role in the independence of India. During the Independence Day celebration, the National Flags are also hosted in school and colleges where many activities are performed by the teachers and students.

Independence Day Essay 3 (200 words)

In India, Independence Day is celebrated by the people of all religions, cultures and traditions with great joy and happiness. Independence Day in India is observed on 15 th of August every year from 1947 as our country became independent on the same day from the power of British rule almost after 200 years of slavery.

It has been declared as the national holiday when all the schools (government or private), offices, colleges, universities, educational institutions, organizations, companies and etc remain closed. It is celebrated with big enthusiasm in every schools, colleges and other educational institutions by the students.

They participate and perform in dancing, drama, singing, playing indoor games, outdoor sports, cultural activities, quiz competitions, awards distribution, etc during celebration. First of all the National flag is unfurled by the chief guest or School Principal, National Anthem is sung with flute and drum and then march past and procession in the streets takes place.

A big celebration event is organized by the government of India at the Rajpath, India Gate in the National Capital, New Delhi where people of all religion, culture and tradition gather to listen the patriotic speech of our Prime Minister. By celebrating this event we commemorate those all great people who had sacrificed their lives and loved ones in making India an Independent country.

Independence Day Essay 4 (250 words)

Independence Day in India is celebrated as national holiday every year on 15 th of August when people remember the long event of independence of our Nation from the British rule. India got independence on August 15 th in 1947 after lots of movement of Independence during which many freedom fighters sacrificed their lives. After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru became first Indian Prime Minister on 17 th of August in 1947 who raised the National Flag at Red Fort near Lahore Gate in Delhi.

Students, teachers, parents and other people come together to celebrate the Independence Day by unfurling the National Flag and singing National Anthem. Out tricolour National Flag is also hosted by the Indian prime minster in the National capital, New Delhi at Red Fort. After that the salute is given by firing 21 guns and tricolour flower showering is held on the flag with helicopter. The tricolour of our Flag represents saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and truth and green for faith and chivalry.

There is an Ashok chakra in the centre of our Flag which contains 24 spikes distributed evenly. At this special day we remember the great sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Raj Guru, Gandhiji and other dared freedom fighters for their unforgettable contribution in the independence of India. Students give speech on the subjects of freedom fighters on the Independence day celebration in schools.

They also involve in parade, march past, singing patriotic songs, etc. Other people celebrate this day according to their own way such as watching patriotic movies, going outside to home with family, meet with friends or participate in the events organized in public places.

Independence Day Essay 5 (300 words)

Independence Day is celebrated by the people of India every year on 15 th of August as a National Holiday to commemorate the independence of India from the Kingdom of Great Britain on 15 th of August in 1947. At this day, people of India pay heartily homage to the great leaders in the leadership of whom India became free forever.

At this day, people celebrate in their own way by buying tricolour Flag, watching movies based on freedom fighters, listening patriotic songs, bonding with family and friends, participating in special contests, programs, and articles organized by the broadcast, print and online media to promote the awareness about day.

Jawaharlal Nehru became our first Prime Minister after the independence of India on 17 th of August 1947 who raised the Flag at Lahore Gate of Red Fort in Delhi and given a speech. This phenomenon is followed by the other subsequent Prime Ministers of India where flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, march past, salute by 21 guns and other cultural events are organized. Other people celebrate this day by raising national flag on their clothes, homes or vehicles.

On the midnight of 15 th August in 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had announced the independence of India by reading out his speech on “Tryst with destiny”. He said that after long years of slavery, it is the time when we will redeem our pledge with the end of our ill fortune.

India is a country where millions of people live together whether they belong to various religion, cultures or traditions and celebrate this special occasion with great joy. At this day, as being an Indian, we should feel proud and must take an oath to keep ourselves loyal and patriotic in order to save our motherland from any type of attack or humiliation by other countries.

Independence Day Essay 6 (400 words)

Independence Day in India is the most important day for every Indian citizen as our country got freedom from the British rule. We celebrate this day every year on 15 th of August from 1947. Our country is counted as the world’s largest democracy all over the world.

India became an independent country on 15 th of August in 1947 after sacrifices of thousands of freedom fighters (such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sukhdev, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Chandra Shekhar Azad, etc) who worked hard to get independence from the British rule.

Each and every Indian celebrate his/her freedom in their own way such as decorating their places of celebration, raising National Flag, march past, watching favourite movies, dancing in the streets, singing National Anthem or patriotic songs or participating in many social activities organized at public places. Independence Day is celebrated by the government of India every year when the current Prime Minister of India raises out tricolour national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi followed by Indian army parade, march past, National Anthem recitation, speech and other cultural activities.

Independence Day in India is celebrated with the National Flag salute by the 21 guns firing. Similarly Independence Day celebration takes place in every states of the country where Governor and the Chief Minister of the states become main guests. Some people get prepared in the early morning and wait for the speech of the Indian Prime Minister at TV. On 15 th of August people get inspired with the history of India’s independence and do some social activities like that and watch movies based on the patriotic themes.

The great non-violence movement of the Mahatma Gandhi, Bapu, helps a lot to our freedom fighters to get freedom from the British rule after 200 long years of struggle. The hard struggle for Independence of India has worked as a huge moving force for every Indian which bind them together at one place whether they belong to different castes, classes, cultures to ritual beliefs to fight them from British rule for their rights. Even women (Aruna Asaf Ali, Vijay Laxmi Pandit, Sarojine Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Kamala Nehru, Annie Besant, etc) came out from their houses and played their great role in getting freedom.

Independence Day Essay 7 (600 Words)

Introduction

Independence Day is one of the national festivals of India with the other two being Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. It is celebrated on the 15th of August each year ever since India got independence from the British rule in 1947. The day celebrates freedom and independence in the true sense.

History behind Independence Day

India was ruled by the British for almost two centuries. The citizens of our country suffered at the hands of the tyrant British officials for years until they finally managed to gather strength and fight them. They struggled for the independence of our country selflessly and tirelessly under the leadership of patriots such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. While some of these leaders advocated the path of non-violence others took to aggressive means to fight the British.

However, the ultimate aim of all of them was to drive the British out of the country. After numerous freedom movements, protests and sacrifices, our country finally got independence on 15 th August 1947 which was declared as the Independence Day of our country.

Why do We Celebrate Independence Day?

We celebrate Independence Day to celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence. It is also celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This day is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy today has been earned the hard way and that we must value it as well as make the most of it for our good and the good of our nation.

By way of Independence Day celebrations each year the younger generation is acquainted with the struggles of the people who lived in British colonized India. The celebration is a way of invoking patriotic feelings among the people of our country to encourage them to stay united and work for its betterment.

Activities on Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of our country. Various big and small events are organized in schools, colleges, offices and residential societies to celebrate this day. Here are some of the activities done on Independence Day:

Flag Hoisting : On this day, the Prime Minister of our country hoists the Indian National Flag at Red Fort. This is followed by 21 gun shots in the honour of the occasion. Flag hoisting is done as a part of the Independence Day celebration throughout the country.
Speeches/ Debates/ Quiz : Speeches are delivered as a part of Independence Day celebration in schools, colleges and other places. Debate and quiz competitions are also held in educational institutes. Essay writing and painting competitions are also organized to celebrate this day.
Fancy Dress Competitions : Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small kids are seen dressed up as freedom fighters.
Kite Flying Competition : Kite flying competitions are also held on this day. Numerous colourful kits are seen flying in the sky. This is seen as a mark of freedom.
Sweet Distribution : Sweets are distributed after flag hoisting.

Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day holds special significance for every Indian. It is a day that reminds them of the struggle and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. It inspires the youth of the nation to stand for the honour of the country. It fills the hearts of the people with patriotism and they are motivated to work for the good of their country. The spirit of patriotism is seen across the country particularly on this special day.

Independence Day is celebrated with immense zeal all across our country. People of all ages come forward to celebrate this day. Songs are sung in praise of the freedom fighters as well as our motherland. People are seen dressed up in tri-colour. The sky seems full of kites and there is joy all around.

Independence Day Essay 8 (1000 Words)

The day on which India attained legislative sovereignty through an act passed by the parliament of United Kingdom, is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. The Indian Independence Act passed by the Parliament of United Kingdom on 15 th August 1947, transferred all the legislative powers to the Indian Constituent Assembly, which was constituted to write the Constitution of India. It was an outcome of a long battle applying the principles of non violence and civil disobedience, against the suppressions of British Empire.

Independence Day – Background

Sometimes during the 17 th Century British came to India showing trading interests in the sub continent. They were amazed by the prosperity of kingdoms and rich topography of the sub continent. Slowly they started making foothold into the nation by increasing trading activities. Here, came to the fore “East India Company” which was supposed to be a trading company reporting to its board of directors in London; nevertheless, eyeing the unlimited wealth opportunities that the subcontinent offered, East India Company, forcefully occupied powers of the government and judiciary. This period of Indian history from 1757 to 1858 is termed as the “Company Rule”.

Things went on the same until the rebellion of 1857, when the rule of East India Company in India was transferred to Queen Victoria through Government of India Act 1857. This Act established the British Crown as the ultimate ruler of India.

In the following decades, civil societies and political parties in India gradually became strong, demanding self rule or Swaraj. A long battle of non violence and non cooperation ensued, finally resulting in India achieving independence on 15 th August 1947.

Independence was gained after nearly two centuries of subjugation under, firstly, the East India company and secondly the British Crown. It was a period of unethical suppression and tremendous exploitation of our resources at the hands of Britishers.

Kingdoms were forcefully occupied, kings were dethroned and punished for no apparent reason, farmers and small traders were made vulnerable by imposing new tax laws. The whole nation had felt the pain of subjugation, for every moment under the Crown. It was therefore a big achievement and a reason to celebrate when independence was finally gained on 15 th August 1947.

The significance of the day is defined by the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and other countrymen, in the struggle for independence. Millions of Indians have lost their lives in the freedom fight. The day reminds us to commemorate those who have sacrificed their all to make us breathe in freedom.

Independence Day also reminds us that we were able to break free from shackles of British Empire, because we fought against it, united. People from different religions, caste, financial background, culture, fought together diminishing their demographic differences. Therefore, the day reminds us to stay united as it the key to stay safe and independent.

Independence Day Celebrations

Independence Day of India is celebrated as a National Festival in India. People belonging to different religion, caste and culture celebrate the day together, infused with the feelings of nationalism and patriotism. The festive fervor could well be seen on the streets, offices, schools, colleges, houses, throughout the nation. The air reverberates with patriotic songs and national anthem. Fluttering tricolor of various shapes and sizes is a common sight on the day.

Below we will go through details of celebrations in some of the significant locations of the nation.

Celebrations at Delhi

National capital Delhi is the center for the most distinguished Independence Day celebrations. On the evening before Independence Day, Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on Tele Vision, congratulating citizens and remembering the freedom fighters.

Next day, huge crowd emerged at the Red Fort to witness flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister. Thousands of people from across the country and several dignitaries are present to honor the national flag and to witness the events following it.

Flag hoisting is concurrently followed by the singing of national anthem and then a 21 gun salute in the honour of the Prime Minister. After the gun salute, the Prime Minister once again addresses the nation and remembers the freedom fighters and their struggles.

The speech is followed by a march past by Indian army and other armed forces. Tableaus depicting religious and cultural heritage of various Indian states, also take part in the procession.

Celebrations in Schools and Offices

Schools, colleges and offices throughout India celebrate Independence Day with almost equal zeal and enthusiasm. Participation of children in the celebrations is more prominent and they seem to be at the centre of all the preparations. Celebrations begin with the head of the institution hoisting the national flag in presence of students and other staff members.

Several competitions, cultural events, plays are organized in schools by the children themselves, as a reminiscence of India’s freedom struggle and also to commemorate the great freedom fighters. Children get dressed up as various freedom fighters and cry famous slogans of Indian struggle – “Inquilab Zindabad”, “Jai Hind”, “Vande Matram” etc. School also distributes sweets among the students and staff members to celebrate the day.

The celebration in offices is also celebrated with the same patriotic zeal; though, with slightly different events. Flag hoisting is compulsory in all government institutions, with mandatory attendance. The flag ceremony is followed by speeches by the staff members, which usually is a commemoration of freedom fighters and reminiscence of the freedom struggle.

People in the streets too are seen greeting each other and buying tricolors to adorn their houses and vehicles. In 2002 Flag code of India was amended to allow private citizens to display the flag, but with certain rules and regulations.

Independence Day of India is a National festival celebrated with the feeling of patriotism and nationalism, throughout the country. The country resonates with festive fervor and pride in its unity and diversity. The beating of drums along with the singing of national anthem fills the heart with a great sense of nationalism. It is primarily a celebration of Independence; nevertheless, it is also a celebration of “unity in diversity” of India. Moreover, the government has declared 15 th August as a national holiday to make sure that you participate in the celebrations, without any fear or hindrances.

Essay on Independence Day [100, 120, 150, 200, 250 Words]

Essay on Independence Day in English : Every year on the 15th of August, the people of India celebrate Independence Day. In this article, you are going to read 5 essays on Independence Day of India (100, 120, 150, 200, and 250 words). These essays will be helpful for the students of all the classes (class 1 to class 12). If you are looking for paragraph on Independence Day, this article will also help you with that. So, let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Independence Day Essay: 100 Words

Independence Day of India is celebrated on 15 th August. On this day, India got freedom from British rule. On this day, The Prime Minister of India hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort, New Delhi. It was because of immense courage and sacrifice of our freedom fighters we got independence. We remember our great freedom fighters and martyrs on this day.

On 15th August the National Flag is hoisted in schools, colleges, government offices, residential buildings, etc. Various cultural activities are organized in different parts of the country. Independence Day fills Indian hearts with pride and patriotism.

Short Essay on Independence Day: 120 Words

We celebrate 15 th August every year as our Independence Day. On this day in 1947, India got independence from British rule. It is a day of great pride for all Indians. Independence Day is celebrated with great joy and happiness. The Prime Minister of India unfurls the National Flag and addresses the nation to mark the Independence Day.

On Independence Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. As part of the celebration, cultural events, quiz programs, and debates are organized in many schools and colleges. Independence Day reminds us of our glorious past and the sacrifices of the innumerable freedom fighters for the cause of India’s Independence. It inspires us to stand united and work together to build a strong nation.

Also Read: 10 Lines on Independence Day of India [2022]

Essay on Independence Day: 150 Words

India got independence on the 15th of august in 1947. Independence Day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. On Independence Day we remember millions of our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our independence. Independence Day ceremony is organized at the Red Fort on the 15th of August. The Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at Red Fort in the morning. He also delivers an address to the nation to mark the occasion.

We celebrate Independence day by hoisting the flag and singing the National Anthem. This day is observed as a national holiday across India. Schools and colleges organize cultural events, debates, and quiz competitions on this day. Sweets are distributed to everyone. People decorate houses, streets, and roads with National Flags and tricolor balloons to show their patriotism. We have to take a pledge to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the nation.

Essay on Independence Day: 200 Words

Independence Day is celebrated in India on the 15th of August with great joy and happiness. The day of August 15, 1947 is written with golden letters in the history of India. On this auspicious day, our country became independent from hundreds of years of British rule. Since then we celebrate this day as a national festival of India.

On this day every year, the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi and gives a message to the countrymen. During the celebration, Indian Army performs march-past in front of the historic Red Fort. Many great freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi , Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Kshudiram Bose, Chandra Sekhar Azad, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, sacrificed their lives selflessly for the freedom of India. We pay tribute to the Nation and the freedom fighters on Independence Day.

On this day fruits, sweets, etc. are distributed to the children. Flag hoisting ceremonies are held at schools and colleges on the occasion of Independence Day. On this day streets and roads of every city are decorated with the National Flag. Independence Day fills every Indian heart with pride and patriotism. This day also infuses new hope and energy among us.

Also Read: 10 Lines on Our National Flag

Independence Day Essay: 250 Words

India got independence from British rule on 15 august 1947 after long years of struggle and sacrifice. The Independence Day is celebrated with great pomp and show in every city and town of India. It is a festival of freedom for us. Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday in India every year on 15th of august.

Many freedom fighters like Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Rani Laxmi Bai, and millions of others sacrificed their lives to make India an independent nation. Independence Day is a day to remember and honour them.

The main celebrations take place in the capital, New Delhi where the prime minister raises the flag and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from the ramparts of the historical site red fort. He gives a speech about the achievements of the government and gives guidelines for future development. After this event, a parade of defense forces, police forces, NCC cadets, scouts, cultural tableaus, and school children takes place at Red Fort. This is followed by a march past of army contingents, para-military personnel, and air force squadrons.

The President of India delivers an address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day every year. On this day, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian National Flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. To commemorate the Independence Day people hoist the National Flag, sing patriotic songs and decorate their houses, streets, and roads with tricolor flags. Various cultural events are organized to pay homage and respect to our freedom fighters for their invaluable contribution.

Independence day is a matter of pride for all of us. We should work together to build up a strong nation.

Importance of India Independence Day Essay in English

Essay writing in English is a good step towards improving your writing skills. It brings fluency in the language along with an improvement in vocabulary. Practising essays on India Independence Day 2024 serves a dual purpose of knowing the country better and practising English as well.

There is a huge importance of independence day in our life. We consider 15th August as the Red Letter Day in our history. It is on this day India got its long-desired independence in 1947 from 200 years of British rule. 15th August of 1947 is the day which every Indian feels proud to celebrate as their Independence Day. It was on this day our National Flag was hoisted for the first time. Hence, this day is celebrated every year as a national holiday in India.

It was a long struggle that started as early as 1857. Many great freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to bring independence to their motherland. Initially, it started with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and ended with the Non-violence Movement led by Gandhiji. People from every religion, caste, class, state and gender participated in the Indian Independence Movement.

Short Essay on the Importance of Independence Day

The value of Independence Day is quite high for each Indian. On this day, each and every Indian gets an opportunity to remember and show gratitude towards great men and women whose selfless sacrifices and unparalleled contributions brought us freedom. It is worth mentioning the names of a few such great leaders. They are Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel, Khudiram Bose, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Bhagat Singh and many other prominent leaders.

Independence Day is an important day in the life of every Indian. Year after year, it reminds us of our great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to free our Motherland from British rule. It reminds us of the great paragons, which were the foundation of the dream of a free India, envisioned and realised by the forefathers.

This year, the 78th year of India’s independence is being celebrated with great enthusiasm focusing on the theme of “Viksit Bharat” which means Developed India. This theme reflects the Indian government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047, which will be the 100th anniversary of India's independence.

The importance of Indian Independence Day is that it makes us realise that our forefathers have done their share of responsibilities in bringing India’s independence, and now the task lies in our hands - how we can shape and form the future of our country. They have played their role and have played it really well. The country now looks up to us as to how we perform our part. It blows the winds of patriotism and national integration across the country this Indian Independence Day 2024.

Also Check:

Essay on Independence Day

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India Independence Day Speech

Welcome Speech for Indian Independence Day

Indian Independence Day 2024 is very significant in the life of every Indian. For the last 78 years, all Indians remember the great sacrifice and struggle made by our freedom fighters to free Mother India from British rule. It reminds us of our founding fathers who envisioned and realised the foundation of the dream of a free India.

FAQs on Essay on Independence Day 2024: 78 Years of Independence

1. Why is Independence Day celebrated?

Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate the freedom of our country. On this day, we pay tribute to all the leaders who have sacrificed their lives to get our motherland free from British rule.

2. Why is Independence Day important for the youth of today?

Independence Day is important for today’s youth because they are the future of our nation. The way our founding fathers envisioned a free India and realised their dreams, our youth also must unite as one nation and liberate our country from the shackles of caste, religion, corruption, and exploitation.

3. How is Independence Day celebrated in schools?

The students gather in school. They wear ethnic dress based on the Independence Day theme. They hoist the National Flag along with the head of the school. They sing the National Anthem. Special programs like a skit, drawing competitions, and sports activities are held. Sweets are distributed among the students.

4. Name some prominent freedom fighters.

Some prominent freedom fighters are Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, Bhagat Singh, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, and many more.

5. How is Independence Day celebrated in our country?

Independence Day is celebrated every year in every part of the country on the 15th of August. It starts with the hoisting of our National Flag by the Prime Minister at the historical site of Red fort. Our President delivers his speech addressing every citizen of India, while the Prime Minister gives a speech focusing mainly on the past year’s achievements of the country. Twenty-one gunshots are fired in respect of all the great leaders for whom we got freedom. Our National Anthem is sung with due love and respect, and the march past of the Indian armed forces is conducted. Apart from this every institution and school celebrates the day by flag hoisting and singing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs. The day is also celebrated in every housing, office, club and other organisations.

6. Why is high alert security necessary on Independence Day?

There has always been and will be a threat to us, especially to our freedom. Many terrorist groups serve as a constant threat to our security. They always prefer the days of importance for their undesired activities. The Indian Government, along with a very efficient military force, always remain prepared in the anticipation of a terrorist attack. Security measures throughout the country are intensified with special attention to Delhi and Mumbai. Other metros and all major cities are also kept under tight security. Airspace around the Red Fort remains restricted for the day. It remains a no-fly zone on this day. Additional police forces are employed on all national highways and major roads, railways and airports.

7. Why is celebrating Independence Day important for the students?

The young students today are the future torchbearers of the country. The celebration of Independence Day is important to promote the values of nationalism and patriotism among the students. They are inspired to take responsibility for the country and reform it in a way that we all can achieve the dream nation we desire. They will take lessons from the great leaders of the country, feel their sacrifice and work towards building one nation by removing all types of corruption and exploitation. They will know and feel gratitude for those leaders and remember their work on this day. The celebration of Independence Day reminds them of their responsibility towards serving the nation and its people.

8. What role does Vedantu play in teaching essay writing on Independence Day important points to the students?

Vedantu is the right site for the students to get lessons and tips for writing English essays. They have provided many popular and also not-so-common topics in their huge list of English essays. They have prepared the essays by expert teachers in English and have provided free PDF versions of the same on their site. They have provided innumerable topics that are relevant to all classes. Short essays of 10 lines have been provided by them so that the students get a skeletal frame of the essay and can proceed on those points to end up writing good essays in English.

9. Why do we celebrate Independence Day on 15 August every year?

We celebrate Independence Day on 15 August every year because it is the day that India gained independence from the British.

10. Who is our first freedom fighter?

The first freedom fighter in India was Mangal Pandey. He was a soldier in the British Indian Army who led a mutiny against the British in 1857. His actions inspired other soldiers and civilians to join the fight for independence.

11. How is 15 August Independence Day celebrated across different regions of India?

On 15 August, Independence Day is celebrated differently across India. In Delhi, the Prime Minister speaks at Red Fort, and there are parades and performances. In Mumbai, people hoist flags and enjoy community events. Kolkata’s celebration includes a flag-raising ceremony at Victoria Memorial with patriotic music. In rural areas, people have local flag hoistings and traditional music. Each place adds its own special touch to the national celebration, showing India’s diverse culture and unity.

12. What are the different ways to wish Happy Independence Day 2024?

For Independence Day 2024, you can wish people in various meaningful ways:

Personal Messages: “Happy Independence Day 2024! May we honour the sacrifices of our forefathers and continue to build a brighter future for our country.”

Social Media Posts: “Celebrating the 78th Independence Day with pride and joy! Let’s cherish our freedom and work towards a better India.”

Cards and Letters: “Wishing you a Happy Independence Day 2024! Let’s remember the importance of our freedom and strive to make our nation proud.”

Public Speeches: “Happy Independence Day to all! As we mark 78 years of freedom, let’s unite to advance our nation’s growth and progress.”

Community Events: “Join us in celebrating Independence Day 2024! Let’s honour our past and shape a promising future together.”

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Independence Day Essay | Essay on Independence Day for Students and Children in English

Independence Day Essay: 15th August 1947 is a red-letter day in the history of our Country; the day on which India got her independence after a long drawn struggle. The history of this struggle for freedom can be traced back to the first war of independence fought against the rulers of the British as far back as in 1857. The English historians might have named if ‘Mutiny’ but in reality, it was a struggle for independence.

The causes might have been any but the spirit and the sentiment behind it was to break away from the shackles of the British yoke. The British, with great manipulation and maneuverings, had succeeded in establishing their supremacy and authority over India but for that, the people of India themselves had been responsible. They stood divided among themselves and wanted to settle personal scores with one another.

Long Essay on Independence Day 500+ Words in English

Short essay on independence day 200 words in english, 10 lines on independence day.

When did India get Independence?
What is the importance of independence day in India?
Which is the best way to celebrate our Independence Day?

Long and Short Essays on Independence Day for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Independence Day’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on the Independence Day of 400-500 words. This long essay about Independence Day is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Independence Day of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Below we have given a long essay on Independence Day of 500+ words that is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9, and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

The British, intelligent and diplomatic as they were, sensed this inherent division and took the fullest advantage of the situation by aggravating dissensions and then presenting themselves as the arbiters, and ultimately the usurpers of power. In the form of the East India Company, they had put their foot on the Indian soil as traders, interested only in the promotion of trade and commerce. That was during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, the Moghul emperor. But gradually this trading company first took the initiative in the financial sector and then extended its scope to political gains and colonial expansion and gradually succeeded in their plans. India at last, came directly, under British rule and became a part of the British Empire.

But there was a lot of discrimination against the Indian people natives as they were contemptuously called by the British. Such subjugation and slavery went on for quite a long spell of time the unrest in the minds of the people kept brewing up but without any organization and leadership, the ambers remained buried under the ashes.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, The Theosophical Society of India were the people and the organizations which created an asocial and cultural renaissance in the country. The Indian National Congress in its initial shape in the first three annual sessions praised the British government and only prayed for reforms. It was only in 1907 for the first time that Bal Gangadhar Tilak raised his voice against British domination and everything Western and it was Tilak who for the first time gave the proud slogan ‘Freedom is our birthright and I shall have it’. Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal this trio of Bal, Lai, and Pal preached with vehemence to break away from the British shackles.

Lala Lajpat Rai exhorted his countrymen in words as ‘Indians should no longer be content to be beggars whining for favors; for, if they cared for their country they would have to strike a blow for themselves. Bipin Chandra Pal an outstanding Journalist of Bengal wrote in papers like ‘New India’ and ‘Bandematram’ which writings worked like a rousing current on the minds of the young people.

Certain internal and external factors also worked to arouse the national consciousness and national pride among the people, particularly certain impolite and autocratic steps taken by the Viceroy Lord Curzon. De Mello a writer of repute rightly wrote ‘Perhaps no single British administrator in India gave a greater impetus to the national movement than Lord Curzon with his ill-disguised contempt for the Indian National Congress’.

In the meantime there rose up a band of extremists like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqullah, and some others who believed in the extreme way of the bomb with which movement the moderates did not agree. The extremists, though failed in their activities, still helped in arousing the sentiments of the masses. The Jalianawala massacre in 1919 added fuel to the fire.

By this time Lai, Bal and Pal had left the scene and Mahatma Gandhi had taken up the leadership. His non-cooperation movement against the British government in 1920, his ‘Dandi March’ The Salt Satyagrah and thereafter many more movements carried on the freedom movement still further. The British government failed to satisfy the aspirations for full independence of the country but in spite of making efforts of some settlement, Gandhi turned from the path of cooperation and moderation to complete non-cooperation with the British Government. All efforts have failed Gandhi, was led to make the historic announcement of ‘Quit India’ movement in 1942 and gave the call for ‘Do or die’.

Below we have given a short essay on Independence Day is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

He strongly pronounced that ‘Freedom has not to come tomorrow but today ……….. I want freedom immediately, this very night before dawn if it can be had’. This call led to a spontaneous upsurge all over the country an uncontrolled mass movement at the largest scale. It gave rise to unbridled violence and sabotage.

India woke up, as if, from slumber to mass awakening. The British Government took drastic steps Gandhi along with all other top leaders were arrested and even the least suspected ones were put to persecution and dire punishment.

The Labour Party had come to power in England and Clement Atlee became the Prime Minister. This new government showed a more favorable attitude towards the Indian aspirations and under the Mountbatten plan India was finally divided into India and Pakistan and the country was granted full freedom on August 15, 1947.

The long-fought struggle was brought to a glorious end but at a great cost, the greatest being the bifurcation of the country into two.

August 15, this is the day of deliverance from the foreign yoke a great day, a solemn day. This day shall remain the day of great achievement. This day gives the countrymen an eternal call to protect, preserve, and strengthen our freedom which has been won after such an effort, so much of sacrifice and such a long struggle.

Students can find more English Essay Writing Topics, Ideas, Easy Tips to Write Essay Writing, and many more.

15th August is a red-letter day in the history of our country.
The, struggle for freedom dates back to the first war of independence fought in 1857.
British diplomacy succeeded in understanding the divisions among the people of the country and they exploited it to the full.
The history of how the British spread their tentacles in establishing their empire first in the form of East India Company and then as a political power.
India lacked leadership, though there was an inherent desire to throw away the British yoke.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda created a social revolution.
Indian National Congress got established and leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak took up the scene. The contempt of Lord Curzon towards Indians helped in fanning the fire of unrest.
Revolutionaries like Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Ashfaqullah took to ‘Bomb Culture’, but could not succeed except in creating a national fervor.
Gandhi took up leadership after 1919. The non-cooperation movement of 1920; The Dandi march; The Salt Satyagrah; and then finally the ‘Quit India’ movement of 1942 the call of ‘Do or Die’.
The British government under the Labour Party finally agreed to transfer power but it was done to a divided India on 15th August 1947 India divided into two India and Pakistan.

FAQs on Independence Day Essay

1. When did India get Independence?

India got Independence from British Rule on 15th August 1947.

2. What is the importance of independence day in India?

Independence day is the symbol of the valiant sacrifice of our freedoms fighters and the people of India to attain freedom from the claws of the British.

3. Which is the best way to celebrate our Independence Day?

The best way to celebrate Independence is to do something justifiable for the country and not just singing the National anthem once a year.

Independence Day Essay 2024: Short and Long Essay For School Students!

Independence day 2024: this article discusses short and long essay ideas in english for independence day. find some of the best ideas for independence day in 10 lines, 100 words, 150 words, 250 words, and long format. .

Short Independence Day Essay in 100 Words

Independence Day is celebrated on 15th August every year to mark the country’s freedom from British rule in 1947. This day is a tribute to all those heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation.

It is our responsibility as the people of the country to honour them, especially on this day. On Independence Day, celebrations can be held at many places including schools as well. These activities include flag hoisting, patriotic speeches and other cultural events across the country. Many colleges also organise special programmes to honour the spirit of independence on this special day.

On this day, the Prime Minister also addresses the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi, reflecting on the progress made and the changes that are being done for the good. Independence Day reminds every Indian of the value of freedom and the responsibility to uphold it. So, let’s celebrate it with full enthusiasm.

Short Independence Day Essay in 150 Words

India’s Independence Day is celebrated on 15 August every year, which marks the country’s freedom from British rule in 1947. The day symbolises the arduous struggle for independence which is led by many prominent leaders. Independence Day is a day for the citizens to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by many people in the past to get India free from the rule of the Britishers.

It is a day to encourage the students as well so that they can build a developed nation. Many programs are also held in the country like patriotic songs, cultural programs, and flag-hoisting ceremonies in schools and colleges that foster a sense of unity and pride among everyone.

Long Independence Day Essay In 200 Words

Independence Day celebrated on August 15, every year holds great significance for every Indian. The day marks the anniversary of India’s freedom from British rule in 1947, nearly 200 years of colonial dominance. It is a time to honour the countless freedom fighters who fought bravely for the freedom of the nation.

Well, the celebration of Independence Day begins when the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. He/She also gives a speech highlighting the importance of the day and remembering all those heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation.

This day is not just a commemoration of the past but also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with freedom. The day serves as an inspiration for all the citizens of the country to contribute towards the development of the nation and also uphold the values of democracy, equality, and freedom that the country was founded upon.

Independence Day is a celebration of the rich heritage of India, its culture and its people as well. It reminds every Indian of the importance of unity, the power of collective effort, and the significance of maintaining hard-won freedom for future generations.

Long Essay on Independence Day in 500 Words

Students can take the ideas from the above lines and then add on the below lines to complete the essay in 500 words.

Independence Day, celebrated annually on August 15th, is one of the most important national holidays in India. The day marks the end of the freedom struggle from the British Raj. It is a day of immense pride, and the day to remember the sacrifices made by the many people to give the country freedom from the British Raj.

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. The day begins with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana." The most prominent ceremony takes place at the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the flag and delivers a speech to the nation. This speech reflects on the country's achievements, the struggles of the past and how they have been curbed to develop the country for the better.

Schools, colleges, and other institutions also organise various events, that include flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and patriotic performances. These activities help instil a sense of national pride among the school students, reminding them of the sacrifices made by their forebears.

Independence Day is a powerful symbol of India's journey from being the slave of Britishers to finally getting freedom. It is a day to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations to continue the work of building a developed nation. As India moves forward, Independence Day will always serve as a reminder of the power of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of freedom.

Top 10 Additional Lines On Independence Day 2024

Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday in India with great enthusiasm.
Schools and colleges organise various events, including parades, speeches and cultural performances to mark the importance of this day.
It is a day to remind the endless struggles of all the freedom fighters for the sacrifices they made to make the country free.
The national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is also being sung with pride, invoking a deep sense of patriotism among the citizens.
On the special day, the Prime Minister also gives a speech to reflect on the progress made since Independence.
The day unites people of different cultures and brings them together to celebrate the special day.
Independence Day also serves as a reminder to uphold the values of democracy, equality and justice.
Many children and adults participate in kite flying, which has been a traditional activity since long.
The Indian tricolour flag is also hoisted across the country to symbolise unity and freedom.
This day is an important day to mark the sacrifices of many and also to be ready for the future.
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15 August Independence Day Essay in English for Students

India’s Independence Day holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. Celebrated on 15th August, this day is crucial for India’s history. here are some good Independence Day essays for you.

October 19, 2023

Table of Contents

Independence Day Essay: Independence Day is a day of freedom and patriotism, where nations commemorate their sovereignty and the struggles for autonomy. This essay explores its historical importance, diverse celebrations, and the emotional connection it fosters. It also reflects on progress, challenges, and personal sentiments tied to this significant day.

Independence Day Essay in English

Independence Day, observed annually on August 15th in India, stands as a deeply significant and treasured national holiday. It commemorates the momentous occasion when India successfully gained liberation from British colonial rule following a protracted and strenuous struggle for independence. Beyond being a mere day off, Independence Day represents a symbol of national pride and the triumphant spirit of the Indian people.

The path to Indian independence began in the early 20th century with various movements and influential figures. Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent civil disobedience, called Satyagraha, united the nation and pressured the British for freedom. India gained independence on August 15, 1947. The Indian Independence Act transferred authority from the British Crown to Indian leaders after years of struggle.

Independence Day goes beyond history; it celebrates India’s values, principles, and unity. This occasion pays tribute to the courageous individuals who made significant sacrifices for India’s future. It also reminds every Indian citizen of their duty to uphold justice, equality, and liberty.

Independence Day festivities in India are characterised by grandeur. The focal event unfolds in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers an address to the nation. This event garners thousands of attendees and captivates millions through television broadcasts. It’s a time of patriotic fervour and an exhibition of India’s rich and diverse culture.

In schools, offices, and public areas, individuals raise the national flag and sing the anthem. Cultural shows, processions, and patriotic tunes aim to instil deep pride and unity in the people. The national flag adorns rooftops and edifices, and citizens adorn their surroundings with the vibrant colours of the Indian flag. Independence Day becomes a moment to express love for the nation.

Independence Day serves as a moment to ponder the significance of freedom and the concomitant responsibilities. In a democracy, each Indian has a role in our nation’s progress. Freedom means more than just no foreign rule; it’s about shaping our destiny. Therefore, citizens should know their rights and engage in the democratic process.

Independence Day honours India’s fight for freedom, rekindles patriotism, and remembers the sacrifices of many. Let’s celebrate fervently but not forget our post-independence responsibilities. This day reminds us that our nation’s future depends on us, and it’s our collective duty to improve India for future generations.

Independence Day Essay 10 Lines

August 15th, India’s Independence Day, marks the nation’s freedom from British rule in 1947, a crucial holiday. This day signifies India’s sovereignty and its people’s unwavering determination. It is a moment for elaborate parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and a surge of patriotic sentiments. The tricolour national flag, adorned with saffron, white, and green hues, fills every Indian heart with pride.

Independence Day extends beyond historical remembrance; it encourages contemplation of the progress achieved since then. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices rendered by our freedom fighters.

Independence Day Essay 100 Words

Independence Day holds significant importance in various nations as it commemorates the liberation from colonial or foreign domination. In the United States, it is observed on July 4th and signifies the nation’s 1776 declaration of freedom from British rule. This day is characterised by celebrations, processions, fireworks, and displays of patriotism.

People gather with their loved ones for barbecues and outdoor meals. We remember those who fought for freedom and democratic ideals, appreciating the sacrifices made. Independence Day symbolises core values and liberties that unite a nation, honouring the visionaries who built the foundation for self-governance and autonomy.

Independence Day Essay for Class 2

India marks its important national holiday, Independence Day, every year on August 15th. On this day, all Indians come together to celebrate their country’s release from British colonial domination in 1947. For young students in class 2, Independence Day is dear to them as it represents the freedom of their motherland.

We recall and honour brave freedom fighters who secured India’s independence. It’s a day of joy, patriotism, and pride for our diverse, culturally rich nation.

The Prime Minister starts festivities by raising the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi. People from across the country gather to witness this event, and it’s televised for those unable to attend. The flag-raising is accompanied by the national anthem, fostering unity and pride.

In schools, like ours, Independence Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. We raise the tricolour flag, sing patriotic songs, and teachers educate us about its significance and the sacrifices made. It’s a moment to revisit history and value unity and peace.

For children, cultural events in schools and communities are thrilling. We participate in competitions like painting, drawing, and dressing as figures like Mahatma Gandhi or Jawaharlal Nehru. This is an enjoyable way to learn about our history and heroes.

The sight of kites soaring high in the sky is another eagerly anticipated aspect. Kite flying is a well-loved tradition on Independence Day, and children and adults alike derive joy from this activity. The colourful kites in the sky symbolise the nation’s free spirit.

Independence Day isn’t just about freedom but also our duty as citizens to contribute positively. We recognize that freedom comes with the responsibility to uplift our society and nation.

Independence Day Essay for Class 3

Independence Day is cherished by all Indians, celebrated annually on August 15 to honour India’s liberation from British rule. It’s a day filled with national pride and patriotism.

This special day lets us pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters who fought relentlessly against British oppression, making it significant.

Independence Day is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across the nation. People hoist the Indian national flag, known as the Tricolor, at various locations. The flag, featuring saffron, white, and green stripes along with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, symbolises the unity in diversity that India represents.

In educational institutions and workplaces, special events and programs are organised to mark this important day. Students engage in cultural activities like performing patriotic songs, dances, and delivering speeches. They also don traditional Indian attire to display their affection for the country.

The flag hoisting on Independence Day is highly anticipated. The Indian Prime Minister raises the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and delivers a speech. People eagerly listen to it. Independence Day means enjoying sweets and sharing them. Kite flying is a festive tradition, with people of all ages taking part in competitions.

Beyond celebrations, Independence Day reminds us of our responsibilities as citizens in a free nation. It emphasises the duty of working together for a peaceful, prosperous, and just society without discrimination.

In summary, Independence Day is crucial for every Indian. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom and the value of our liberty. Let’s celebrate it with pride and a commitment to our nation’s progress and unity.

Independence Day Essay 200 Words

India marks Independence Day on August 15 every year, a pivotal historical event. This day honours India’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1947, a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters in their relentless pursuit of independence.

Independence Day is joyously and patriotically observed across the nation. The central ceremony unfolds in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister raises the national flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation. Citizens nationwide also raise the tricolour flag at their homes, educational institutions, and workplaces, proudly singing the national anthem.

Independence Day goes beyond celebrations. It prompts us to ponder freedom, democracy, and unity. We honour great leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel who led the independence movement. We must not forget everyday people who fought against oppression.

This day emphasises that freedom is valuable. It comes with a duty to protect our nation’s sovereignty and democratic values. It prompts a renewal of our commitment to India’s progress and development.

In conclusion, Independence Day unites Indians, celebrating their diversity while cherishing the hard-earned freedom. It encourages reflection on history, respect for heroes, and an optimistic gaze toward a brighter future for the nation.

Independence Day Essay FAQs

The utilisation of symbols, like national flags and emblems, is commonly employed to stir feelings of national pride and forge an emotional connection between the readers and the essay's subject matter.

A compelling conclusion should recapitulate the key arguments, underscore the importance of independence, and leave the reader with a memorable impression or a call to take action.

Incorporating a personal call to action, such as encouraging readers to cherish and safeguard their nation's independence, can serve as a potent method to conclude your essay.

Certainly, you can employ creative writing techniques to make your essay more captivating, as long as you maintain reverence for the historical and patriotic aspects of the subject.

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Independence Day (15 August 2024) Essay for Children & Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Independence Day – 15 August 2024

Each year India celebrates its Independence Day on the 15 th of August . It was on this day in 1947 that India gained independence from the United Kingdom . The day has a remarkable place in Indian history as the Indian Constituent Assembly was granted Legislative sovereignty by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

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Target Exam ---

The 77th anniversary of India’s Independence Day in 2024 will be celebrated as part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” festivities

As of now, the official theme for India’s Independence Day 2024 has not been announced by the government. However, the previous year’s theme was “Nation First, Always First,” which was part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, aimed at fostering national pride and unity among citizens

Independence Day (15 August 2024) Essay for Children & Students

Long and Short Essay on Independence Day in English

Also Check: Har Ghar Tiranga 2024 Campaign

Independence Day Essay 1 (100 words)

Today, I’m here to honor the bravery of our freedom fighters on Independence Day. This special day isn’t just an ordinary date; it represents India’s bravery, strength, and unbeatable determination

Independence Day Essay 2 (150 words)

During the celebration at Red Fort, New Delhi many tasks including March past are performed by the Indian army and cultural events by the school students are performed. After the national Flag hosting and national Anthem JANA GANA MANA recitation, the prime minister of India gives his annual speech .

Independence Day Essay 3 (200 words)

It has been declared as the national holiday when all the schools (government or private), offices, colleges, universities, educational institutions, organizations, companies and etc., remain closed. It is celebrated with big enthusiasm in every schools, colleges and other educational institutions by the students.

They participate and perform in dancing, drama, singing, playing indoor games, outdoor sports, cultural activities, quiz competitions, awards distribution, etc., during celebration. First of all the National flag is unfurled by the chief guest or School Principal, National Anthem is sung with flute and drum and then march past and procession in the streets takes place.

Independence Day Essay 4 (250 words)

Independence Day Essay 5 (300 words)

Independence Day Essay 6 (400 words)

The great non-violence movement of the Mahatma Gandhi, Bapu, helps a lot to our freedom fighters to get freedom from the British rule after 200 long years of struggle. The hard struggle for Independence of India has worked as a huge moving force for every Indian which bind them together at one place whether they belong to different castes, classes, cultures to ritual beliefs to fight them from British rule for their rights. Even women (Aruna Asaf Ali, Vijay Laxmi Pandit, Sarojine Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Kamala Nehru, Annie Besant, etc.) came out from their houses and played their great role in getting freedom.

Independence Day Essay 7 (600 Words)

Introduction

History of Independence Day

Why do We Celebrate Independence Day?

Activities on Independence Day

Flag Hoisting : On this day, the Prime Minister of our country hoists the Indian National Flag at Red Fort. This is followed by 21 gun shots in the honour of the occasion. Flag hoisting is done as a part of the Independence Day celebration throughout the country.
Speeches/ Debates/ Quiz : Speeches are delivered as a part of Independence Day celebration in schools, colleges and other places. Debate and quiz competitions are also held in educational institutes. Essay writing and painting competitions are also organized to celebrate this day.
Fancy Dress Competitions : Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small kids are seen dressed up as freedom fighters.
Kite Flying Competition : Kite flying competitions are also held on this day. Numerous colourful kits are seen flying in the sky. This is seen as a mark of freedom.
Sweet Distribution : Sweets are distributed after flag hoisting.

Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day Essay 8 (1000 Words)

Importance of Independence Day

Role of Women in India’s Independence

Women played a crucial role in India’s struggle for freedom. They bravely faced the challenges and made significant contributions to the nation’s independence movement.

Leadership Roles : Prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Sucheta Kriplani led various campaigns and protests against British rule.
Civil Disobedience : Women actively participated in the Salt March and other civil disobedience movements initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Bravery Acts : Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Matangini Hazra are celebrated for their direct confrontations with the British.
Promotion of Swadeshi : Women were at the forefront of promoting the use of Indian-made goods, rejecting British products.
Social Reforms : Alongside the freedom struggle, women leaders also pushed for social reforms, advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.
Jails & Sacrifices : Many women, like Kasturba Gandhi and Durgabai Deshmukh, endured imprisonment and made personal sacrifices for the country’s freedom.

Freedom Fighters Efforts in Independence Day

India’s journey to independence was marked by the valiant efforts of numerous freedom fighters. These leaders dedicated their lives to the cause, shaping the nation’s destiny.

Mahatma Gandhi : Often called the ‘Father of the Nation’, Gandhi advocated non-violence and civil disobedience. His Dandi March and Quit India Movement were pivotal in challenging British rule.
Jawaharlal Nehru : As the first Prime Minister of independent India, Nehru was crucial in shaping the nation’s modern identity. His charismatic leadership rallied masses for freedom.
Subhas Chandra Bose : With his famous slogan “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”, Bose led the Indian National Army against the British.
Bhagat Singh : A symbol of youth resistance, Singh’s acts of defiance, like the Parliament bomb incident, made him an icon of the struggle.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi : Symbolizing women’s role in the freedom fight, she led her army against the British during the 1857 revolt.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel : Known as the ‘Iron Man of India’, Patel played a vital role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad : Apart from being India’s first President, Prasad actively participated in the freedom struggle, contributing to constitutional processes.

These leaders, among many others, lit the torch of freedom, leading India towards its long-sought independence.

Independence Day Celebrations

Below we will go through details of celebrations in some of the significant locations of the nation.

Also Check: Independence Day Poster Making Ideas

Celebrations at Delhi

The speech is followed by a march past by Indian army and other armed forces. Tableaus depicting religious and cultural heritage of various Indian states, also take part in the procession.

Celebrations in Schools and Offices

Frequently Asked Questions Independence Day

Is it 76 or 77 independence day 2023.

It's the 76th Independence Day in 2023.

Is it 77th Independence Day?

No, 2023 marks the 76th Independence Day for India.

What is the purpose of the Independence Day?

Independence Day celebrates a nation's freedom from colonial or foreign rule, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made and fostering national pride and unity.

When did India get freedom?

India gained its freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947.

What is the time of flag hoisting on 15 August?

The national flag is typically hoisted at 7:30 AM on August 15 at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by the Prime Minister's address.

Who declared freedom in India?

Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India, officially transferred power, leading to Jawaharlal Nehru becoming the first Prime Minister of independent India.

What are the rules of the National Flag?

The rules for the National Flag, known as the Flag Code of India, dictate how and where the flag can be hoisted, ensuring it's treated with respect and dignity. For instance, it should never touch the ground and must be displayed in a particular orientation.

Who gave India freedom?

India's freedom was the result of persistent efforts and sacrifices by its freedom fighters and leaders. While the British officially relinquished control, it wasn't given – it was earned by India.

At what time flag is removed?

There's no specific time universally followed for flag removal. However, as per protocol, the national flag, when flown in the open, should be taken down at sunset.

How many years of Independence Day in India on 15 August 2024?

On August 15, 2024, India will observe its 78th Independence Day. This significant date marks the anniversary of India's freedom from British colonial rule, which was officially declared on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated with various patriotic events, including flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural programs, reflecting on the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and the nation's journey since then.

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Essay on Independence Day in English

Essay on Independence Day in english is given below. Independence Day reminding us of the bravery and the sacrifices our freedom fighters have made for us. Check short Independence Day Essay.

Table of Contents

Every year, the people of India commemorate Independence Day with extreme patriotism by flying the Tri-color National flag, marching, performing patriotic songs, dancing, and social service. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence after over 200 years of British domination. In 2024, we are celebrating the 77th Independence Day of India .

Essay on Independence Day

Independence Day is observed as a national holiday in India. It marks the day India was recognized as the world’s largest democratic nation. We have covered every important part of the Indian 77th Independence Day celebration in this Independence Day Essay, including why we celebrate, history, freedom warriors, events, the significance of Independence Day, and much more. Check a few short Essay on Independence Day here.

Independence Day Essay in English

How to Customize Your Essay on Independence Day? Every year on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at Red Fort and delivers an energetic address to the nation. This day is celebrated by schools, colleges, universities, offices, social buildings, government, and private organizations through festivities and cultural programs. In cultural programs, students offer intriguing talks on issues such as independence warriors, freedom struggle, patriotism, unity in diversity, and so on.

In addition, students may prepare an Essay on Independence Day. In this essay, we have covered practically every crucial aspect of India’s Independence Day that a listener or reader should be aware of. Read the entire article and incorporate the information into your Independence Day essay.

Essay on Independence Day in 100 Word

India gained official independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. It was a memorable day in Indian history when India gained independence after many years of dedication and self-sacrifice by Indian freedom fighters. We achieved independence after 200 years of struggle. When India gained independence, the people of India elected their first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, who unfurled the Tricolour National Flag for the first time in the Red Fort in the national capital, New Delhi. Every year, all Indians celebrate this day as Independence Day with tremendous joy in every part of the country and pay homage to our freedom fighters.

Essay on Independence Day in 150 Words

India acquired independence on August 15, 1947, and this date is still celebrated as Independence Day. In India, people of all religions, cultures, and traditions celebrate Independence Day with immense excitement and enthusiasm. The Prime Minister of India hoisted the National Flag in the early morning at the Red Fort, where millions of people attended the Independence Day ceremony, in the event celebration organised in the National Capital, New Delhi. It has been proclaimed a national holiday, and all schools (public and private), offices, colleges, universities, educational institutions, organisations, and businesses are closed. Students commemorate it with great zeal in all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.

During the celebration, students engage in and take part in dance, theatre, singing, indoor games, sports in the outdoors, cultural events, quiz competitions, Essay on Independence Day competitions, award distribution, kite competitions, and other activities. At India’s Independence Day celebrations, we also remember all of the great people and freedom fighters who contributed to India’s independence.

Essay on Independence Day in 200 Words

Since 1947, every Indian has celebrated Independence Day on the 15th of August. After over 200 years of enslavement, our country gained independence from British rule on this day. The government of India organises a large celebration event at Rajpath, India Gate in the National Capital, New Delhi, where people of all religions, cultures, and traditions congregate to hear our Prime Minister’s patriotic addressed the nation. Every year on this day, our Prime Minister hoists the national flag, followed by the reading of the national anthem (JANA GANA MANA), and then the Prime Minister of India delivers his yearly speech. Many activities, including March Past, are done by the Indian Army at the Red Fort celebration in New Delhi.

By commemorating this anniversary, we honour all of the great people who gave their lives and loved ones to make India an independent country. During the Independence Day celebration, the National Flags are also displayed in schools and universities, where teachers and students participate in a variety of activities. The guest of honour or school principal first unfurls the national flag, followed by the National Anthem sung with flute and drum, followed by a march past and parade through the streets.

Independence Day Essay in 10 Lines

Since 1947, we have celebrated Independence Day on the 15th of August every year. We celebrate Independence Day to mark India’s independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on August 15, 1947. On this day, the people of India pay the heartfelt gratitude to the great leaders under whose leadership India gained eternal freedom. Following that, our country was recognized as the world’s largest democracy.

India evolved into an independent country on the 15th of August in 1947 after the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Sukhdev, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and many more hero who worked hard to get independence from the British rule. We commemorated Independence Day by hoisting the tricolour national flag in various institutions such as schools, universities, society buildings, and so on, as a way of remembering and paying tribute to their victories.

Essay on Independence Day in 500 words

India gained independence on August 15, 1947. For nearly two centuries, the British ruled India. Every Indian’s life was bleak and difficult during British colonial rule. Indians were treated as slaves with no freedom of expression. Indian rulers were merely puppets in the hands of British officers. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, our first Prime Minister, raised the National Flag for the first time at the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, at midnight. It symbolized the conclusion of the British Empire’s 200-year reign in India. Because of this auspicious day, we Indians can finally breathe the air of a free and democratic nation.

All Indians fought selflessly and persistently for our country’s independence under the guidance of heroes such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Bhagat Singh. Indian fighters were treated cruelly in British camps, and farmers were hungry because they couldn’t grow crops and had to pay high land taxes. On this notable day, the people of India recall the heroic sacrifices and extraordinary contributions of great men and women in achieving India’s independence.

Pioneers like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel, and Gopalbandhu Das are paid reverent homage by all Indian on this unforgettable day. While some of these leaders supported nonviolence in India’s freedom struggle, others used aggressive tactics to combat the British. The ultimate goal of all of them, though, was to push the British out of the nation. After several freedom struggles, protests, and sacrifices, our country finally gained independence on August 15, 1947, which was designated as our country’s Independence Day.

Note – To increase the words of your Essay on Independence Day you can include the given information below.

Independence Day Essay- Is It the 76th Or 77th Independence Day Celebration in India?

Many people are wondering if the 76th or 77th Independence Day celebration will take place. Let’s explore the two opposing arguments for celebrating the 77th or the 76th Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from the British rulers and its harsh regulations after a 190-year struggle. On August 15, 1948, India conducted its first independence celebration. As a result, Independence Day is the 76th year of Freedom.

However, if we calculate the year of independence precisely from August 15, 1947. This means that 1947 is printed as the year India gained independence. Because of this, the 77th Independence Day will be observed in 2024. Both views are true in this regard, however, with majority support, India will commemorate 77 years of Independence.

The theme for India’s 77th Independence Day is ‘Nation First, Always First,’ and it will be hosted as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav.’ The government has agreed to implement several programmes in this effort to celebrate the country’s many cultures.

The second version of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign encourages people to display tricolour in their homes, offices, and workplaces. The ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign was launched to honour martyrs around the country. This is an endeavour of the Indian government to commemorate and celebrate 76 years of freedom while also illuminating the wonderful heritage of people and Indian culture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed the ‘Panch Pran’ theme for India 2.0, which includes Women and Children, Tribal Empowerment, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), Water, Cultural Pride, Health and Wellness, Inclusive Development, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Unity.

Independence Day Activities

Independence Day is widely commemorated in almost all sections of our country. To commemorate this day, various large and small events are planned at schools, colleges, offices, Shops and residential societies by locals. Here are some of the Independence Day Activities that people and children conduct on the 15th of August as follows.

Independence Day Celebration in Capital – This day is commemorated with considerable pomp and display in the national capital, Delhi. This is followed by 21 gun rounds to commemorate the event. All leaders and common people gather in huge numbers on the parade ground in front of the Red Fort to await the Prime Minister’s arrival.

Flag Hoisting all over India – Flag hoisting is done across the country as part of the Independence Day festivities.

Speech and Debate Competition – Speeches are given as part of the Independence Day celebrations at schools, colleges, and other locations. Educational institutes also host debates, quizzes, and Independence Day Essay competitions. This day is also marked by art competitions.

Competitions in Fancy Dress – Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small children are disguised as freedom fighters.

Kite Flying Competition: On this day, kite-flying events are also organized. Several brightly colored kits may be seen flying in the sky. This is regarded as a symbol of liberty.

Sweet Distribution: After the flag is hoisted, sweets are distributed in schools, colleges, offices and localities.

Essay on Independence Day Celebration in Delhi

The national capital of Delhi hosts the most prestigious Independence Day events. The Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on television the evening before Independence Day, congratulating citizens and honoring independence fighters.

The following day, a large throng gathered at the Red Fort to watch the Prime Minister’s flag hoisting ceremony. Flag hoisting is followed by the singing of the national song and a 21-gun salute in remembrance of liberation fighters. Thousands of people from across the country, as well as various dignitaries, have gathered to honour the national flag and watch the activities that will follow.

Following the gun salute, the Prime Minister addresses the nation once more, remembering the independence warriors and their struggles. Following the address, the Indian army and other military forces march by. The parade also includes tableaus portraying the religious and cultural history of several Indian states.

Independence Day is a historical milestone for the country because it marks the end of British rule. It brings together people from all across the country. India’s core path and strength is unity in diversity. In history, People from many religions, castes, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures stood together to reduce demographic inequalities.

The meaning of Independence Day is determined by the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and other compatriots in the fight for independence. Millions of Indians have died in the freedom struggle. The day serves as a reminder to remember those who have given their all to ensure that all of us can breathe freely.

Every Indian citizen considers Independence Day to be a significant day in their lives. We are proud to be citizens of the world’s largest majority-rule country, where we are living in a democracy.

Independence Day is reminiscent of the great icons who served as the cornerstone for the founding fathers’ ideal of a free India.

Independence Day Essay PDF

Students can download all these Eassays in PDF form from the link given here – Essay on Independence Day PDF in English . Download the document and take prints for easier access of the writings.

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What is Independence Day essay in English?

The first Independence Day of India was on August 15, 1947, and this year marks the 77th Independence Day of India on August 15, 2023.

How to write Essay on Independence Day english?

The essay writing process is divided into three sections. Choose a topic, conduct research, and write an essay outline. Introduce your thesis, then build it with evidence in the main body and conclude with a conclusion.

Hi buds, I am Monisa, a postgraduate in Human Physiology (specialization in Ergonomics and Occupational health) with 1.5 years of experience in the school education sector. With versatile writing skills, I provide educational content to help students find the right path to success in various domains, such as JEE, NEET, CUET, and other entrance exams.

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America's Founding Documents

The Declaration of Independence: A History

Nations come into being in many ways. Military rebellion, civil strife, acts of heroism, acts of treachery, a thousand greater and lesser clashes between defenders of the old order and supporters of the new--all these occurrences and more have marked the emergences of new nations, large and small. The birth of our own nation included them all. That birth was unique, not only in the immensity of its later impact on the course of world history and the growth of democracy, but also because so many of the threads in our national history run back through time to come together in one place, in one time, and in one document: the Declaration of Independence.

Moving Toward Independence

The clearest call for independence up to the summer of 1776 came in Philadelphia on June 7. On that date in session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), the Continental Congress heard Richard Henry Lee of Virginia read his resolution beginning: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

The Lee Resolution was an expression of what was already beginning to happen throughout the colonies. When the Second Continental Congress, which was essentially the government of the United States from 1775 to 1788, first met in May 1775, King George III had not replied to the petition for redress of grievances that he had been sent by the First Continental Congress. The Congress gradually took on the responsibilities of a national government. In June 1775 the Congress established the Continental Army as well as a continental currency. By the end of July of that year, it created a post office for the "United Colonies."

In August 1775 a royal proclamation declared that the King's American subjects were "engaged in open and avowed rebellion." Later that year, Parliament passed the American Prohibitory Act, which made all American vessels and cargoes forfeit to the Crown. And in May 1776 the Congress learned that the King had negotiated treaties with German states to hire mercenaries to fight in America. The weight of these actions combined to convince many Americans that the mother country was treating the colonies as a foreign entity.

One by one, the Continental Congress continued to cut the colonies' ties to Britain. The Privateering Resolution, passed in March 1776, allowed the colonists "to fit out armed vessels to cruize [sic] on the enemies of these United Colonies." On April 6, 1776, American ports were opened to commerce with other nations, an action that severed the economic ties fostered by the Navigation Acts. A "Resolution for the Formation of Local Governments" was passed on May 10, 1776.

At the same time, more of the colonists themselves were becoming convinced of the inevitability of independence. Thomas Paine's Common Sense, published in January 1776, was sold by the thousands. By the middle of May 1776, eight colonies had decided that they would support independence. On May 15, 1776, the Virginia Convention passed a resolution that "the delegates appointed to represent this colony in General Congress be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent states."

It was in keeping with these instructions that Richard Henry Lee, on June 7, 1776, presented his resolution. There were still some delegates, however, including those bound by earlier instructions, who wished to pursue the path of reconciliation with Britain. On June 11 consideration of the Lee Resolution was postponed by a vote of seven colonies to five, with New York abstaining. Congress then recessed for 3 weeks. The tone of the debate indicated that at the end of that time the Lee Resolution would be adopted. Before Congress recessed, therefore, a Committee of Five was appointed to draft a statement presenting to the world the colonies' case for independence.

The Committee of Five

The committee consisted of two New England men, John Adams of Massachusetts and Roger Sherman of Connecticut; two men from the Middle Colonies, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York; and one southerner, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. In 1823 Jefferson wrote that the other members of the committee "unanimously pressed on myself alone to undertake the draught [sic]. I consented; I drew it; but before I reported it to the committee I communicated it separately to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams requesting their corrections. . . I then wrote a fair copy, reported it to the committee, and from them, unaltered to the Congress." (If Jefferson did make a "fair copy," incorporating the changes made by Franklin and Adams, it has not been preserved. It may have been the copy that was amended by the Congress and used for printing, but in any case, it has not survived. Jefferson's rough draft, however, with changes made by Franklin and Adams, as well as Jefferson's own notes of changes by the Congress, is housed at the Library of Congress.)

Jefferson's account reflects three stages in the life of the Declaration: the document originally written by Jefferson; the changes to that document made by Franklin and Adams, resulting in the version that was submitted by the Committee of Five to the Congress; and the version that was eventually adopted.

On July 1, 1776, Congress reconvened. The following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting. Immediately afterward, the Congress began to consider the Declaration. Adams and Franklin had made only a few changes before the committee submitted the document. The discussion in Congress resulted in some alterations and deletions, but the basic document remained Jefferson's. The process of revision continued through all of July 3 and into the late morning of July 4. The Declaration had been officially adopted.

The Declaration of Independence is made up of five distinct parts: the introduction; the preamble; the body, which can be divided into two sections; and a conclusion. The introduction states that this document will "declare" the "causes" that have made it necessary for the American colonies to leave the British Empire. Having stated in the introduction that independence is unavoidable, even necessary, the preamble sets out principles that were already recognized to be "self-evident" by most 18th- century Englishmen, closing with the statement that "a long train of abuses and usurpations . . . evinces a design to reduce [a people] under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." The first section of the body of the Declaration gives evidence of the "long train of abuses and usurpations" heaped upon the colonists by King George III. The second section of the body states that the colonists had appealed in vain to their "British brethren" for a redress of their grievances. Having stated the conditions that made independence necessary and having shown that those conditions existed in British North America, the Declaration concludes that "these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved."

Although Congress had adopted the Declaration submitted by the Committee of Five, the committee's task was not yet completed. Congress had also directed that the committee supervise the printing of the adopted document. The first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence were turned out from the shop of John Dunlap, official printer to the Congress. After the Declaration had been adopted, the committee took to Dunlap the manuscript document, possibly Jefferson's "fair copy" of his rough draft. On the morning of July 5, copies were dispatched by members of Congress to various assemblies, conventions, and committees of safety as well as to the commanders of Continental troops. Also on July 5, a copy of the printed version of the approved Declaration was inserted into the "rough journal" of the Continental Congress for July 4. The text was followed by the words "Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress, John Hancock, President. Attest. Charles Thomson, Secretary." It is not known how many copies John Dunlap printed on his busy night of July 4. There are 26 copies known to exist of what is commonly referred to as "the Dunlap broadside," 21 owned by American institutions, 2 by British institutions, and 3 by private owners. (See Appendix A.)

The Engrossed Declaration

On July 9 the action of Congress was officially approved by the New York Convention. All 13 colonies had now signified their approval. On July 19, therefore, Congress was able to order that the Declaration be "fairly engrossed on parchment, with the title and stile [sic] of 'The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America,' and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by every member of Congress."

Engrossing is the process of preparing an official document in a large, clear hand. Timothy Matlack was probably the engrosser of the Declaration. He was a Pennsylvanian who had assisted the Secretary of the Congress, Charles Thomson, in his duties for over a year and who had written out George Washington's commission as commanding general of the ContinentalArmy. Matlack set to work with pen, ink, parchment, and practiced hand, and finally, on August 2, the journal of the Continental Congress records that "The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed." One of the most widely held misconceptions about the Declaration is that it was signed on July 4, 1776, by all the delegates in attendance.

John Hancock, the President of the Congress, was the first to sign the sheet of parchment measuring 24¼ by 29¾ inches. He used a bold signature centered below the text. In accordance with prevailing custom, the other delegates began to sign at the right below the text, their signatures arranged according to the geographic location of the states they represented. New Hampshire, the northernmost state, began the list, and Georgia, the southernmost, ended it. Eventually 56 delegates signed, although all were not present on August 2. Among the later signers were Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Thomas McKean, and Matthew Thornton, who found that he had no room to sign with the other New Hampshire delegates. A few delegates who voted for adoption of the Declaration on July 4 were never to sign in spite of the July 19 order of Congress that the engrossed document "be signed by every member of Congress." Nonsigners included John Dickinson, who clung to the idea of reconciliation with Britain, and Robert R. Livingston, one of the Committee of Five, who thought the Declaration was premature.

Parchment and Ink

Over the next 200 years, the nation whose birth was announced with a Declaration "fairly engrossed on parchment" was to show immense growth in area, population, economic power, and social complexity and a lasting commitment to a testing and strengthening of its democracy. But what of the parchment itself? How was it to fare over the course of two centuries?

In the chronicle of the Declaration as a physical object, three themes necessarily entwine themselves: the relationship between the physical aging of the parchment and the steps taken to preserve it from deterioration; the relationship between the parchment and the copies that were made from it; and finally, the often dramatic story of the travels of the parchment during wartime and to its various homes.

Chronologically, it is helpful to divide the history of the Declaration after its signing into five main periods, some more distinct than others. The first period consists of the early travels of the parchment and lasts until 1814. The second period relates to the long sojourn of the Declaration in Washington, DC, from 1814 until its brief return to Philadelphia for the 1876 Centennial. The third period covers the years 1877-1921, a period marked by increasing concern for the deterioration of the document and the need for a fitting and permanent Washington home. Except for an interlude during World War II, the fourth and fifth periods cover the time the Declaration rested in the Library of Congress from 1921 to 1952 and in the National Archives from 1952 to the present.

Early Travels, 1776-1814

Once the Declaration was signed, the document probably accompanied the Continental Congress as that body traveled during the uncertain months and years of the Revolution. Initially, like other parchment documents of the time, the Declaration was probably stored in a rolled format. Each time the document was used, it would have been unrolled and re-rolled. This action, as well as holding the curled parchment flat, doubtless took its toll on the ink and on the parchment surface through abrasion and flexing. The acidity inherent in the iron gall ink used by Timothy Matlack allowed the ink to "bite" into the surface of the parchment, thus contributing to the ink's longevity, but the rolling and unrolling of the parchment still presented many hazards.

After the signing ceremony on August 2, 1776, the Declaration was most likely filed in Philadelphia in the office of Charles Thomson, who served as the Secretary of the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1789. On December 12, threatened by the British, Congress adjourned and reconvened 8 days later in Baltimore, MD. A light wagon carried the Declaration to its new home, where it remained until its return to Philadelphia in March of 1777.

On January 18, 1777, while the Declaration was still in Baltimore, Congress, bolstered by military successes at Trenton and Princeton, ordered the second official printing of the document. The July 4 printing had included only the names of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, and even though the first printing had been promptly circulated to the states, the names of subsequent signers were kept secret for a time because of fear of British reprisals. By its order of January 18, however, Congress required that "an authentic copy of the Declaration of Independency, with the names of the members of Congress subscribing to the same, be sent to each of the United States, and that they be desired to have the same put upon record." The "authentic copy" was duly printed, complete with signers' names, by Mary Katherine Goddard in Baltimore.

Assuming that the Declaration moved with the Congress, it would have been back in Philadelphia from March to September 1777. On September 27, it would have moved to Lancaster, PA, for 1 day only. From September 30, 1777, through June 1778, the Declaration would have been kept in the courthouse at York, PA. From July 1778 to June 1783, it would have had a long stay back in Philadelphia. In 1783, it would have been at Princeton, NJ, from June to November, and then, after the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the Declaration would have been moved to Annapolis, MD, where it stayed until October 1784. For the months of November and December 1784, it would have been at Trenton, NJ. Then in 1785, when Congress met in New York, the Declaration was housed in the old New York City Hall, where it probably remained until 1790 (although when Pierre L'Enfant was remodeling the building for the convening of the First Federal Congress, it might have been temporarily removed).

In July 1789 the First Congress under the new Constitution created the Department of Foreign Affairs and directed that its Secretary should have "the custody and charge of all records, books and papers" kept by the department of the same name under the old government. On July 24 Charles Thomson retired as Secretary of the Congress and, upon the order of President George Washington, surrendered the Declaration to Roger Alden, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In September 1789 the name of the department was changed to the Department of State. Thomas Jefferson, the drafter of the Declaration, returned from France to assume his duties as the first Secretary of State in March of 1790. Appropriately, those duties now included custody of the Declaration.

In July 1790 Congress provided for a permanent capital to be built among the woodlands and swamps bordering the Potomac River. Meanwhile, the temporary seat of government was to return to Philadelphia. Congress also provided that "prior to the first Monday in December next, all offices attached to the seat of the government of the United States" should be removed to Philadelphia. The Declaration was therefore back in Philadelphia by the close of 1790. It was housed in various buildings--on Market Street, at Arch and Sixth, and at Fifth and Chestnut.

In 1800, by direction of President John Adams, the Declaration and other government records were moved from Philadelphia to the new federal capital now rising in the District of Columbia. To reach its new home, the Declaration traveled down the Delaware River and Bay, out into the ocean, into the Chesapeake Bay, and up the Potomac to Washington, completing its longest water journey.

For about 2 months the Declaration was housed in buildings built for the use of the Treasury Department. For the next year it was housed in one of the "Seven Buildings" then standing at Nineteenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Its third home before 1814 was in the old War Office Building on Seventeenth Street.

In August 1814, the United States being again at war with Great Britain, a British fleet appeared in the Chesapeake Bay. Secretary of State James Monroe rode out to observe the landing of British forces along the Patuxent River in Maryland. A message from Monroe alerted State Department officials, in particular a clerk named Stephen Pleasonton, of the imminent threat to the capital city and, of course, the government's official records. Pleasonton "proceeded to purchase coarse linen, and cause it to be made into bags of convenient size, in which the gentlemen of the office" packed the precious books and records including the Declaration.

A cartload of records was then taken up the Potomac River to an unused gristmill belonging to Edgar Patterson. The structure was located on the Virginia side of the Potomac, about 2 miles upstream from Georgetown. Here the Declaration and the other records remained, probably overnight. Pleasonton, meanwhile, asked neighboring farmers for the use of their wagons. On August 24, the day of the British attack on Washington, the Declaration was on its way to Leesburg, VA. That evening, while the White House and other government buildings were burning, the Declaration was stored 35 miles away at Leesburg.

The Declaration remained safe at a private home in Leesburg for an interval of several weeks--in fact, until the British had withdrawn their troops from Washington and their fleet from the Chesapeake Bay. In September 1814 the Declaration was returned to the national capital. With the exception of a trip to Philadelphia for the Centennial and to Fort Knox during World War II, it has remained there ever since.

Washington, 1814-76

The Declaration remained in Washington from September 1814 to May 1841. It was housed in four locations. From 1814 to 1841, it was kept in three different locations as the State Department records were shifted about the growing city. The last of these locations was a brick building that, it was later observed, "offered no security against fire."

One factor that had no small effect on the physical condition of the Declaration was recognized as interest in reproductions of the Declaration increased as the nation grew. Two early facsimile printings of the Declaration were made during the second decade of the 19th century: those of Benjamin Owen Tyler (1818) and John Binns (1819). Both facsimiles used decorative and ornamental elements to enhance the text of the Declaration. Richard Rush, who was Acting Secretary of State in 1817, remarked on September 10 of that year about the Tyler copy: "The foregoing copy of the Declaration of Independence has been collated with the original instrument and found correct. I have myself examined the signatures to each. Those executed by Mr. Tyler, are curiously exact imitations, so much so, that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the closest scrutiny to distinguish them, were it not for the hand of time, from the originals." Rush's reference to "the hand of time" suggests that the signatures were already fading in 1817, only 40 years after they were first affixed to the parchment.

One later theory as to why the Declaration was aging so soon after its creation stems from the common 18th-century practice of taking "press copies." Press copies were made by placing a damp sheet of thin paper on a manuscript and pressing it until a portion of the ink was transferred. The thin paper copy was retained in the same manner as a modern carbon copy. The ink was reimposed on a copper plate, which was then etched so that copies could be run off the plate on a press. This "wet transfer" method may have been used by William J. Stone when in 1820 he was commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to make a facsimile of the entire Declaration, signatures as well as text. By June 5, 1823, almost exactly 47 years after Jefferson's first draft of the Declaration, the (Washington) National Intelligencer was able to report "that Mr. William J. Stone, a respectable and enterprising Engraver of this City, has, after a labor of three years, completed a fac simile of the original of the Declaration of Independence, now in the archives of the government; that it is executed with the greatest exactness and fidelity; and that the Department of State has become the purchaser of the plate."

As the Intelligencer went on to observe: "We are very glad to hear this, for the original of that paper which ought to be immortal and imperishable, by being so much handled by copyists and curious visitors, might receive serious injury. The facility of multiplying copies of it now possessed by the Department of State will render further exposure of the original unnecessary." The language of the newspaper report, like that of Rush's earlier comment, would seem to indicate some fear of the deterioration of the Declaration even prior to Stone's work.

The copies made from Stone's copperplate established the clear visual image of the Declaration for generations of Americans. The 200 official parchment copies struck from the Stone plate carry the identification "Engraved by W. J. Stone for the Department of State, by order" in the upper left corner followed by "of J. Q. Adams, Sec. of State July 4th 1823." in the upper right corner. "Unofficial" copies that were struck later do not have the identification at the top of the document. Instead the engraver identified his work by engraving "W. J. Stone SC. Washn." near the lower left corner and burnishing out the earlier identification.

The longest of the early sojourns of the Declaration was from 1841 to 1876. Daniel Webster was Secretary of State in 1841. On June 11 he wrote to Commissioner of Patents Henry L. Ellsworth, who was then occupying a new building (now the National Portrait Gallery), that "having learned that there is in the new building appropriated to the Patent Office suitable accommodations for the safe-keeping, as well as the exhibition of the various articles now deposited in this Department, and usually, exhibited to visitors . . . I have directed them to be transmitted to you." An inventory accompanied the letter. Item 6 was the Declaration.

The "new building" was a white stone structure at Seventh and F Streets. The Declaration and Washington's commission as commander in chief were mounted together in a single frame and hung in a white painted hall opposite a window offering exposure to sunlight. There they were to remain on exhibit for 35 years, even after the Patent Office separated from the State Department to become administratively a part of the Interior Department. This prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerated the deterioration of the ink and parchment of the Declaration, which was approaching 100 years of age toward the end of this period.

During the years that the Declaration was exhibited in the Patent Office, the combined effects of aging, sunlight, and fluctuating temperature and relative humidity took their toll on the document. Occasionally, writers made somewhat negative comments on the appearance of the Declaration. An observer in the United States Magazine (October 1856) went so far as to refer to "that old looking paper with the fading ink." John B. Ellis remarked in The Sights and Secrets of the National Capital (Chicago, 1869) that "it is old and yellow, and the ink is fading from the paper." An anonymous writer in the Historical Magazine (October 1870) wrote: "The original manuscript of the Declaration of Independence and of Washington's Commission, now in the United States Patent Office at Washington, D.C., are said to be rapidly fading out so that in a few years, only the naked parchment will remain. Already, nearly all the signatures attached to the Declaration of Independence are entirely effaced." In May 1873 the Historical Magazine published an official statement by Mortimer Dormer Leggett, Commissioner of Patents, who admitted that "many of the names to the Declaration are already illegible."

The technology of a new age and the interest in historical roots engendered by the approaching Centennial focused new interest on the Declaration in the 1870s and brought about a brief change of home.

The Centennial and the Debate Over Preservation, 1876-1921

In 1876 the Declaration traveled to Philadelphia, where it was on exhibit for the Centennial National Exposition from May to October. Philadelphia's Mayor William S. Stokley was entrusted by President Ulysses S. Grant with temporary custody of the Declaration. The Public Ledger for May 8, 1876, noted that it was in Independence Hall "framed and glazed for protection, and . . . deposited in a fireproof safe especially designed for both preservation and convenient display. [When the outer doors of the safe were opened, the parchment was visible behind a heavy plate-glass inner door; the doors were closed at night.] Its aspect is of course faded and time-worn. The text is fully legible, but the major part of the signatures are so pale as to be only dimly discernible in the strongest light, a few remain wholly readable, and some are wholly invisible, the spaces which contained them presenting only a blank."

Other descriptions made at Philadelphia were equally unflattering: "scarce bears trace of the signatures the execution of which made fifty-six names imperishable," "aged-dimmed." But on the Fourth of July, after the text was read aloud to a throng on Independence Square by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia (grandson of the signer Richard Henry Lee), "The faded and crumbling manuscript, held together by a simple frame was then exhibited to the crowd and was greeted with cheer after cheer."

By late summer the Declaration's physical condition had become a matter of public concern. On August 3, 1876, Congress adopted a joint resolution providing "that a commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and the Librarian of Congress be empowered to have resort to such means as will most effectually restore the writing of the original manuscript of the Declaration of Independence, with the signatures appended thereto." This resolution had actually been introduced as early as January 5, 1876. One candidate for the task of restoration was William J. Canby, an employee of the Washington Gas Light Company. On April 13 Canby had written to the Librarian of Congress: "I have had over thirty years experience in handling the pen upon parchment and in that time, as an expert, have engrossed hundreds of ornamental, special documents." Canby went on to suggest that "the only feasible plan is to replenish the original with a supply of ink, which has been destroyed by the action of light and time, with an ink well known to be, for all practical purposes, imperishable."

The commission did not, however, take any action at that time. After the conclusion of the Centennial exposition, attempts were made to secure possession of the Declaration for Philadelphia, but these failed and the parchment was returned to the Patent Office in Washington, where it had been since 1841, even though that office had become a part of the Interior Department. On April 11, 1876, Robert H. Duell, Commissioner of Patents, had written to Zachariah Chandler, Secretary of the Interior, suggesting that "the Declaration of Independence, and the commission of General Washington, associated with it in the same frame, belong to your Department as heirlooms.

Chandler appears to have ignored this claim, for in an exchange of letters with Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, it was agreed-with the approval of President Grant-to move the Declaration into the new, fireproof building that the State Department shared with the War and Navy Departments (now the Old Executive Office Building).

On March 3, 1877, the Declaration was placed in a cabinet on the eastern side of the State Department library, where it was to be exhibited for 17 years. It may be noted that not only was smoking permitted in the library, but the room contained an open fireplace. Nevertheless this location turned out to be safer than the premises just vacated; much of the Patent Office was gutted in a fire that occurred a few months later.

On May 5, 1880, the commission that had been appointed almost 4 years earlier came to life again in response to a call from the Secretary of the Interior. It requested that William B. Rogers, president of the National Academy of Sciences appoint a committee of experts to consider "whether such restoration [of the Declaration] be expedient or practicable and if so in what way the object can best be accomplished."

The duly appointed committee reported on January 7, 1881, that Stone used the "wet transfer" method in the creation of his facsimile printing of 1823, that the process had probably removed some of the original ink, and that chemical restoration methods were "at best imperfect and uncertain in their results." The committee concluded, therefore, that "it is not expedient to attempt to restore the manuscript by chemical means." The group of experts then recommended that "it will be best either to cover the present receptacle of the manuscript with an opaque lid or to remove the manuscript from its frame and place it in a portfolio, where it may be protected from the action of light." Finally, the committee recommended that "no press copies of any part of it should in future be permitted."

Recent study of the Declaration by conservators at the National Archives has raised doubts that a "wet transfer" took place. Proof of this occurrence, however, cannot be verified or denied strictly by modern examination methods. No documentation prior to the 1881 reference has been found to support the theory; therefore we may never know if Stone actually performed the procedure.

Little, if any, action was taken as a result of the 1881 report. It was not until 1894 that the State Department announced: "The rapid fading of the text of the original Declaration of Independence and the deterioration of the parchment upon which it is engrossed, from exposure to light and lapse of time, render it impracticable for the Department longer to exhibit it or to handle it. For the secure preservation of its present condition, so far as may be possible, it has been carefully wrapped and placed flat in a steel case."

A new plate for engravings was made by the Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1895, and in 1898 a photograph was made for the Ladies' Home Journal. On this latter occasion, the parchment was noted as "still in good legible condition" although "some of the signatures" were "necessarily blurred."

On April 14, 1903, Secretary of State John Hay solicited again the help of the National Academy of Sciences in providing "such recommendations as may seem practicable . . . touching [the Declaration's] preservation." Hay went on to explain: "It is now kept out of the light, sealed between two sheets of glass, presumably proof against air, and locked in a steel safe. I am unable to say, however, that, in spite of these precautions, observed for the past ten years, the text is not continuing to fade and the parchment to wrinkle and perhaps to break."

On April 24 a committee of the academy reported its findings. Summarizing the physical history of the Declaration, the report stated: "The instrument has suffered very seriously from the very harsh treatment to which it was exposed in the early years of the Republic. Folding and rolling have creased the parchment. The wet press-copying operation to which it was exposed about 1820, for the purpose of producing a facsimile copy, removed a large portion of the ink. Subsequent exposure to the action of light for more than thirty years, while the instrument was placed on exhibition, has resulted in the fading of the ink, particularly in the signatures. The present method of caring for the instrument seems to be the best that can be suggested."

The committee added its own "opinion that the present method of protecting the instrument should be continued; that it should be kept in the dark and dry as possible, and never placed on exhibition." Secretary Hay seems to have accepted the committee's recommendation; in the following year, William H. Michael, author of The Declaration of Independence (Washington, 1904), recorded that the Declaration was "locked and sealed, by order of Secretary Hay, and is no longer shown to anyone except by his direction."

World War I came and went. Then, on April 21, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby issued an order creating yet another committee: "A Committee is hereby appointed to study the proper steps that should be taken for the permanent and effective preservation from deterioration and from danger from fire, or other form of destruction, of those documents of supreme value which under the law are deposited with the Secretary of State. The inquiry will include the question of display of certain of these documents for the benefit of the patriotic public."

On May 5, 1920, the new committee reported on the physical condition of the safes that housed the Declaration and the Constitution. It declared: "The safes are constructed of thin sheets of steel. They are not fireproof nor would they offer much obstruction to an evil-disposed person who wished to break into them." About the physical condition of the Declaration, the committee stated: "We believe the fading can go no further. We see no reason why the original document should not be exhibited if the parchment be laid between two sheets of glass, hermetically sealed at the edges and exposed only to diffused light."

The committee also made some important "supplementary recommendations." It noted that on March 3, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt had directed that certain records relating to the Continental Congress be turned over by the Department of State to the Library of Congress: "This transfer was made under a provision of an Act of February 25, 1903, that any Executive Department may turn over to the Library of Congress books, maps, or other material no longer needed for the use of the Department." The committee recommended that the remaining papers, including the Declaration and the Constitution, be similarly given over to the custody of the Library of Congress. For the Declaration, therefore, two important changes were in the offing: a new home and the possibility of exhibition to "the patriotic public."

The Library of Congress . . . and Fort Knox, 1921-52

There was no action on the recommendations of 1920 until after the Harding administration took office. On September 28, 1921, Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes addressed the new President: "I enclose an executive order for your signature, if you approve, transferring to the custody of the Library of Congress the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States which are now in the custody of this Department. . . . I make this recommendation because in the Library of Congress these muniments will be in the custody of experts skilled in archival preservation, in a building of modern fireproof construction, where they can safely be exhibited to the many visitors who now desire to see them."

President Warren G. Harding agreed. On September 29, 1921, he issued the Executive order authorizing the transfer. The following day Secretary Hughes sent a copy of the order to Librarian of Congress Herbert Putnam, stating that he was "prepared to turn the documents over to you when you are ready to receive them."

Putnam was both ready and eager. He presented himself forthwith at the State Department. The safes were opened, and the Declaration and the Constitution were carried off to the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill in the Library's "mail wagon," cushioned by a pile of leather U.S. mail sacks. Upon arrival, the two national treasures were placed in a safe in Putnam's office.

On October 3, Putnam took up the matter of a permanent location. In a memorandum to the superintendent of the Library building and grounds, Putnam proceeded from the premise that "in the Library" the documents "might be treated in such a way as, while fully safe-guarding them and giving them distinction, they should be open to inspection by the public at large." The memorandum discussed the need for a setting "safe, dignified, adequate, and in every way suitable . . . Material less than bronze would be unworthy. The cost must be considerable."

The Librarian then requested the sum of $12,000 for his purpose. The need was urgent because the new Bureau of the Budget was about to print forthcoming fiscal year estimates. There was therefore no time to make detailed architectural plans. Putnam told an appropriations committee on January 16, 1922, just what he had in mind. "There is a way . . . we could construct, say, on the second floor on the western side in that long open gallery a railed inclosure, material of bronze, where these documents, with one or two auxiliary documents leading up to them, could be placed, where they need not be touched by anybody but where a mere passer-by could see them, where they could be set in permanent bronze frames and where they could be protected from the natural light, lighted only by soft incandescent lamps. The result could be achieved and you would have something every visitor to Washington would wish to tell about when he returned and who would regard it, as the newspapermen are saying, with keen interest as a sort of 'shrine.'" The Librarian's imaginative presentation was successful: The sum of $12,000 was appropriated and approved on March 20, 1922.

Before long, the "sort of 'shrine'" was being designed by Francis H. Bacon, whose brother Henry was the architect of the Lincoln Memorial. Materials used included different kinds of marble from New York, Vermont, Tennessee, the Greek island of Tinos, and Italy. The marbles surrounding the manuscripts were American; the floor and balustrade were made of foreign marbles to correspond with the material used in the rest of the Library. The Declaration was to be housed in a frame of gold-plated bronze doors and covered with double panes of plate glass with specially prepared gelatin films between the plates to exclude the harmful rays of light. A 24-hour guard would provide protection.

On February 28, 1924, the shrine was dedicated in the presence of President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, Secretary Hughes, and other distinguished guests. Not a word was spoken during a moving ceremony in which Putnam fitted the Declaration into its frame. There were no speeches. Two stanzas of America were sung. In Putnam's words: "The impression on the audience proved the emotional potency of documents animate with a great tradition."

With only one interruption, the Declaration hung on the wall of the second floor of the Great Hall of the Library of Congress until December 1952. During the prosperity of the 1920s and the Depression of the 1930s, millions of people visited the shrine. But the threat of war and then war itself caused a prolonged interruption in the steady stream of visitors.

On April 30, 1941, worried that the war raging in Europe might engulf the United States, the newly appointed Librarian of Congress, Archibald MacLeish, wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, Jr. The Librarian was concerned for the most precious of the many objects in his charge. He wrote "to enquire whether space might perhaps be found" at the Bullion Depository in Fort Knox for his most valuable materials, including the Declaration, "in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to remove them from Washington." Secretary Morgenthau replied that space would indeed be made available as necessary for the "storage of such of the more important papers as you might designate."

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. On December 23, the Declaration and the Constitution were removed from the shrine and placed between two sheets of acid-free manilla paper. The documents were then carefully wrapped in a container of all-rag neutral millboard and placed in a specially designed bronze container. It was late at night when the container was finally secured with padlocks on each side. Preparations were resumed on the day after Christmas, when the Attorney General ruled that the Librarian needed no "further authority from the Congress or the President" to take such action as he deemed necessary for the "proper protection and preservation" of the documents in his charge.

The packing process continued under constant armed guard. The container was finally sealed with lead and packed in a heavy box; the whole weighed some 150 pounds. It was a far cry from the simple linen bag of the summer of 1814.

At about 5 p.m. the box, along with other boxes containing vital records, was loaded into an armed and escorted truck, taken to Union Station, and loaded into a compartment of the Pullman sleeper Eastlake. Armed Secret Service agents occupied the neighboring compartments. After departing from Washington at 6:30 p.m., the Declaration traveled to Louisville, KY, arriving at 10:30 a.m., December 27, 1941. More Secret Service agents and a cavalry troop of the 13th Armored Division met the train, convoyed its precious contents to the Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, and placed the Declaration in compartment 24 in the outer tier on the ground level.

The Declaration was periodically examined during its sojourn at Fort Knox. One such examination in 1942 found that the Declaration had become detached in part from its mount, including the upper right corner, which had been stuck down with copious amounts of glue. In his journal for May 14, 1942, Verner W. Clapp, a Library of Congress official, noted: "At one time also (about January 12, 1940) an attempt had been made to reunite the detached upper right hand corner to the main portion by means of a strip of 'scotch' cellulose tape which was still in place, discolored to a molasses color. In the various mending efforts glue had been splattered in two places on the obverse of the document."

The opportunity was taken to perform conservation treatment in order to stabilize and rejoin the upper right corner. Under great secrecy, George Stout and Evelyn Erlich, both of the Fogg Museum at Harvard University, traveled to Fort Knox. Over a period of 2 days, they performed mending of small tears, removed excess adhesive and the "scotch" tape, and rejoined the detached upper right corner.

Finally, in 1944, the military authorities assured the Library of Congress that all danger of enemy attack had passed. On September 19, the documents were withdrawn from Fort Knox. On Sunday, October 1, at 11:30 a.m., the doors of the Library were opened. The Declaration was back in its shrine.

With the return of peace, the keepers of the Declaration were mindful of the increasing technological expertise available to them relating to the preservation of the parchment. In this they were readily assisted by the National Bureau of Standards, which even before World War II, had researched the preservation of the Declaration. The problem of shielding it from harsh light, for example, had in 1924 led to the insertion of a sheet of yellow gelatin between the protective plates of glass. Yet this procedure lessened the visibility of an already faded parchment. Could not some improvement be made?

Following reports of May 5, 1949, on studies in which the Library staff, members of the National Bureau of Standards, and representatives of a glass manufacturer had participated, new recommendations were made. In 1951 the Declaration was sealed in a thermopane enclosure filled with properly humidified helium. The exhibit case was equipped with a filter to screen out damaging light. The new enclosure also had the effect of preventing harm from air pollution, a growing peril.

Soon after, however, the Declaration was to make one more move, the one to its present home. (See Appendix B.)

The National Archives, 1952 to the Present

In 1933, while the Depression gripped the nation, President Hoover laid the cornerstone for the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. He announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would eventually be kept in the impressive structure that was to occupy the site. Indeed, it was for their keeping and display that the exhibition hall in the National Archives had been designed. Two large murals were painted for its walls. In one, Thomas Jefferson is depicted presenting the Declaration to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress while members of that Revolutionary body look on. In the second, James Madison is portrayed submitting the Constitution to George Washington.

The final transfer of these special documents did not, however, take place until almost 20 years later. In October 1934 President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed the first Archivist of the United States, Robert Digges Wimberly Connor. The President told Connor that "valuable historic documents," such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, would reside in the National Archives Building. The Library of Congress, especially Librarian Herbert Putnam, objected. In a meeting with the President 2 months after his appointment, Connor explained to Roosevelt how the documents came to be in the Library and that Putnam felt another Act of Congress was necessary in order for them to be transferred to the Archives. Connor eventually told the President that it would be better to leave the matter alone until Putnam retired.

When Herbert Putnam retired on April 5, 1939, Archibald MacLeish was nominated to replace him. MacLeish agreed with Roosevelt and Connor that the two important documents belonged in the National Archives. Because of World War II, during much of which the Declaration was stored at Fort Knox, and Connor's resignation in 1941, MacLeish was unable to enact the transfer. By 1944, when the Declaration and Constitution returned to Washington from Fort Knox, MacLeish had been appointed Assistant Secretary of State.

Solon J. Buck, Connor's successor as Archivist of the United States (1941-48), felt that the documents were in good hands at the Library of Congress. His successor, Wayne Grover, disagreed. Luther Evans, the Librarian of Congress appointed by President Truman in June 1945, shared Grover's opinion that the documents should be transferred to the Archives.

In 1951 the two men began working with their staff members and legal advisers to have the documents transferred. The Archives position was that the documents were federal records and therefore covered by the Federal Records Act of 1950, which was "paramount to and took precedence over" the 1922 act that had appropriated money for the shrine at the Library of Congress. Luther Evans agreed with this line of reasoning, but he emphasized getting the approval of the President and the Joint Committee on the Library.

Senator Theodore H. Green, Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library, agreed that the transfer should take place but stipulated that it would be necessary to have his committee act on the matter. Evans went to the April 30, 1952, committee meeting alone. There is no formal record of what was said at the meeting, except that the Joint Committee on the Library ordered that the documents be transferred to the National Archives. Not only was the Archives the official depository of the government's records, it was also, in the judgment of the committee, the most nearly bombproof building in Washington.

At 11 a.m., December 13, 1952, Brigadier General Stoyte O. Ross, commanding general of the Air Force Headquarters Command, formally received the documents at the Library of Congress. Twelve members of the Armed Forces Special Police carried the 6 pieces of parchment in their helium-filled glass cases, enclosed in wooden crates, down the Library steps through a line of 88 servicewomen. An armored Marine Corps personnel carrier awaited the documents. Once they had been placed on mattresses inside the vehicle, they were accompanied by a color guard, ceremonial troops, the Army Band, the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps, two light tanks, four servicemen carrying submachine guns, and a motorcycle escort in a parade down Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues to the Archives Building. Both sides of the parade route were lined by Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine, and Air Force personnel. At 11:35 a.m. General Ross and the 12 special policemen arrived at the National Archives Building, carried the crates up the steps, and formally delivered them into the custody of Archivist of the United States Wayne Grover. (Already at the National Archives was the Bill of Rights, protectively sealed according to the modern techniques used a year earlier for the Declaration and Constitution.)

The formal enshrining ceremony on December 15, 1952, was equally impressive. Chief Justice of the United States Fred M. Vinson presided over the ceremony, which was attended by officials of more than 100 national civic, patriotic, religious, veterans, educational, business, and labor groups. After the invocation by the Reverend Frederick Brown Harris, chaplain of the Senate, Governor Elbert N. Carvel of Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution, called the roll of states in the order in which they ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union. As each state was called, a servicewoman carrying the state flag entered the Exhibition Hall and remained at attention in front of the display cases circling the hall. President Harry S. Truman, the featured speaker, said:

"The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are now assembled in one place for display and safekeeping. . . . We are engaged here today in a symbolic act. We are enshrining these documents for future ages. . . . This magnificent hall has been constructed to exhibit them, and the vault beneath, that we have built to protect them, is as safe from destruction as anything that the wit of modern man can devise. All this is an honorable effort, based upon reverence for the great past, and our generation can take just pride in it."

Senator Green briefly traced the history of the three documents, and then the Librarian of Congress and the Archivist of the United States jointly unveiled the shrine. Finally, Justice Vinson spoke briefly, the Reverend Bernard Braskamp, chaplain of the House of Representatives gave the benediction, the U.S. Marine Corps Band played the "Star Spangled Banner," the President was escorted from the hall, the 48 flagbearers marched out, and the ceremony was over. (The story of the transfer of the documents is found in Milton O. Gustafson, " The Empty Shrine: The Transfer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to the National Archives," The American Archivist 39 (July 1976): 271-285.)

The present shrine provides an imposing home. The priceless documents stand at the center of a semicircle of display cases showing other important records of the growth of the United States. The Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights stand slightly elevated, under armed guard, in their bronze and marble shrine. The Bill of Rights and two of the five leaves of the Constitution are displayed flat. Above them the Declaration of Independence is held impressively in an upright case constructed of ballistically tested glass and plastic laminate. Ultraviolet-light filters in the laminate give the inner layer a slightly greenish hue. At night, the documents are stored in an underground vault.

In 1987 the National Archives and Records Administration installed a $3 million camera and computerized system to monitor the condition of the three documents. The Charters Monitoring System was designed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to assess the state of preservation of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. It can detect any changes in readability due to ink flaking, off-setting of ink to glass, changes in document dimensions, and ink fading. The system is capable of recording in very fine detail 1-inch square areas of documents and later retaking the pictures in exactly the same places and under the same conditions of lighting and charge-coupled device (CCD) sensitivity. (The CCD measures reflectivity.) Periodic measurements are compared to the baseline image to determine if changes or deterioration invisible to the human eye have taken place.

The Declaration has had many homes, from humble lodgings and government offices to the interiors of safes and great public displays. It has been carried in wagons, ships, a Pullman sleeper, and an armored vehicle. In its latest home, it has been viewed with respect by millions of people, everyone of whom has had thereby a brief moment, a private moment, to reflect on the meaning of democracy. The nation to which the Declaration gave birth has had an immense impact on human history, and continues to do so. In telling the story of the parchment, it is appropriate to recall the words of poet and Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined.

The 26 copies of the Dunlap broadside known to exist are dispersed among American and British institutions and private owners. The following are the current locations of the copies.

National Archives, Washington, DC Library of Congress, Washington, DC (two copies) Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, MD University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (two copies) Independence National Historic Park, Philadelphia, PA American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Scheide Library, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ New York Public Library, New York Morgan Library, New York Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, MA Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Chapin Library, Williams College, Williamstown, MA Yale University, New Haven, CT American Independence Museum, Exeter, NH Maine Historical Society, Portland, ME Indiana University, Bloomington, IN Chicago Historical Society, Chicago, IL J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, Dallas Public Library, Dallas, TX Declaration of Independence Road Trip [Norman Lear and David Hayden] Private collector National Archives, United Kingdom (three copies)

The locations given for the Declaration from 1776 to 1789 are based on the locations for meetings of the Continental and Confederation Congresses:

Philadelphia: August-December 1776 Baltimore: December 1776-March 1777 Philadelphia: March-September 1777 Lancaster, PA: September 27, 1777 York, PA: September 30, 1777-June 1778 Philadelphia: July 1778-June 1783 Princeton, NJ: June-November 1783 Annapolis, MD: November 1783-October 1784 Trenton, NJ: November-December 1784 New York: 1785-1790 Philadelphia: 1790-1800 Washington, DC (three locations): 1800-1814 Leesburg, VA: August-September 1814 Washington, DC (three locations): 1814-1841 Washington, DC (Patent Office Building): 1841-1876 Philadelphia: May-November 1876 Washington, DC (State, War, and Navy Building): 1877-1921 Washington, DC (Library of Congress): 1921-1941 Fort Knox*: 1941-1944 Washington, DC (Library of Congress): 1944-1952 Washington, DC (National Archives): 1952-present

*Except that the document was displayed on April 13, 1943, at the dedication of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.

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Home » Resources » Writing » Essay on Independence Day | 15 August Essay In English | Independence Day 10 Lines

Essay on Independence Day | 15 August Essay In English | Independence Day 10 Lines

Essay on Independence Day can illustrate why we celebrate this day, its significance, the events that take place, and various other aspects of this important day. Here are some inspiring essays on Independence Day that are useful for all.

Independence Day Essay In English

August 15th, 2024, marks yet another year of India’s hard-earned freedom from British colonial rule. This day, observed as Independence Day across the nation, is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who fought tirelessly to give us the liberty we enjoy today. It is more than just a national holiday; it is a day to honor our past, reflect on our present, and commit to building a better future.

The Struggle for Freedom

India’s journey to independence was long and filled with struggle. The British East India Company began its foothold in India in the early 17th century, and by the 19th century, India was under full British control. This period was marked by exploitation, economic drain, and a denial of basic freedoms to the Indian people. However, the spirit of resistance never died.

The Revolt of 1857, although unsuccessful, was the first major uprising against British rule and laid the foundation for future freedom movements. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, with his non-violent approach, and Subhas Chandra Bose, with his more militant stance, galvanized the masses. Movements like the Salt March and the Quit India Movement rallied millions of Indians together in the demand for freedom. After decades of relentless struggle, India finally achieved independence on August 15, 1947.

The Significance of Independence

Independence brought with it the responsibility of nation-building. The leaders of the time, especially Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the first Prime Minister of India, were faced with the monumental task of uniting a diverse nation. The drafting of the Indian Constitution in 1950 was a significant milestone, laying down the principles of democracy, secularism, and equality that guide our nation to this day.

For us, Independence Day is not just about remembering the past but also understanding the value of freedom. It reminds us of the rights we enjoy as citizens of a free nation, but also of the duties we owe to our country. The freedom we have today was won with great difficulty, and it is our responsibility to preserve and strengthen it.

Celebrations and Reflections

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India. The main event is held at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation. This is followed by a parade showcasing India’s cultural diversity and military prowess. Schools and colleges also hold flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and competitions that highlight the importance of this day.

As students, Independence Day is a time for us to reflect on our role in the nation’s future. We are the torchbearers of tomorrow, and it is up to us to contribute positively to the progress of our country. Whether through education, social service, or simply being responsible citizens, every action counts.

Independence Day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today. As we celebrate this day in 2024, let us remember that with freedom comes responsibility. It is our duty to uphold the values of democracy, equality, and justice that our freedom fighters fought for. Let us pledge to contribute to our nation’s growth and make India a country that shines on the global stage.

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Independence Day Essay
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Independence Day 10 Lines in English

Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th every year to commemorate India’s freedom from British rule in 1947.
It marks the end of a long struggle for independence led by freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
The day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country.
The main event takes place at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation.
Independence Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for our freedom.
Schools and colleges organize special programs, including speeches, dances, and patriotic songs, to honor the day.
It is a day to reflect on the values of democracy, equality, and justice that form the foundation of our nation.
Independence Day is also a time to remember our duties as citizens and to pledge to contribute to the country’s progress.
The national flag is hoisted at homes, offices, and public places, symbolizing unity and patriotism.
Independence Day inspires every Indian to work towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and inclusive nation.

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Independence Day 2024: What is open and what's closed on August 15?

Financial establishments and government offices will remain closed on august 15 on occasion of independence day 2024..

India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday morning by hoisting the national flag at Old Delhi's Red Fort, followed by an address to the nation. A parade will also be carried out by security and defence personnel at the Red Fort tomorrow morning.

An aerial view shows school students carrying a large Indian national flag on a road during the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on the eve of the country's Independence Day celebrations in Vijayawada on August 14, 2024. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP)

Security has been tightened across India, and over 10,000 cops have been deployed across Delhi along with facial recognition cameras and snipers at high-security spots. Police personnel have set up checkpoints around central Delhi and will be searching vehicles passing through the area. Several routes across Delhi have been closed for Thursday morning in view of the Independence Day celebrations.

What is closed on Independence Day 2024?

Independence Day is a national holiday, which means the majority of the shops and establishments will remain closed tomorrow during the first half of the day. All banks, financial establishments, as well as the stock exchange (NSE and BSE), will remain closed on August 15. All educational institutes (schools, colleges, institutes) will also remain closed tomorrow.

What will remain open on August 15?

All emergency services such as police stations, hospitals, healthcare facilities and fire department will remain active on Independence Day 2024. Public transport will also run as scheduled but routes will be altered during the early hours of the day.

Malls, shopping complexes, and restaurants will remain open on August 15 but liquor service will not be allowed.

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Historical Significance

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