The Fourth of July holiday, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain
NEW YORK — The Fourth of July holiday, also known as Independence Day, celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
One year later, according to the Library of Congress, a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marked the anniversary of American independence.
But observations weren’t commonplace until after the War of 1812, when they quickly took off. Congress was late to the party, finally passing a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
Here’s what is open and closed this year on the Fourth of July:
Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed.
U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Thursday.
Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will also not be available on Independence Day.
Warehouse membership club Costco said it would be closed on July 4th, but the vast majority of major national retailers will be open, with some offering promotional sales to lure customers. Hours may vary by location, so check your local store.
With the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Thursday, many Americans plan to take Friday off too, enabling them to travel for a long weekend.
Auto club AAA projects that 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the holiday week from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. The projected number of travelers for that period is 5% more than last year and 8% more than in 2019.
AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car during the holiday week, 2.8 million more travelers than last year. AAA is forecasting that a record 5.74 million people will fly to their July Fourth destinations, an increase of nearly 7% over last year and a 12% jump over 2019.
As Independence Day approaches, many Americans are making plans for the holiday weekend. However, it’s important to note that not all businesses will be operating as usual on July 4th. Retailers and airlines may have adjusted hours, while government offices, banks, and the stock market may be closed for the day.
For retailers, it’s common for stores to have reduced hours on holidays like July 4th. Many major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, may have limited hours or be closed entirely on Independence Day. It’s a good idea to check with your local store or visit their website to see if they will be open on July 4th and what their hours will be.
Similarly, airlines may also have adjusted schedules on July 4th. While most airlines will still be operating flights on the holiday, it’s possible that there may be fewer flights available or that certain routes may be affected. If you have a flight scheduled for July 4th, be sure to check with your airline for any updates or changes to your itinerary.
On the other hand, government offices, banks, and the stock market are typically closed on July 4th in observance of the holiday. This means that services such as getting a driver’s license or conducting business at a bank branch may not be available on Independence Day. Additionally, the stock market will be closed on July 4th, so investors should plan accordingly.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the operating hours and closures for businesses and services on July 4th. By planning ahead and checking with specific retailers, airlines, and government offices, you can ensure that your holiday weekend goes smoothly. Whether you’re celebrating with a barbecue, watching fireworks, or traveling to see family and friends, knowing what to expect on July 4th will help you make the most of the holiday.
