USA Celebrates Independence Day

The United States of America celebrates Independence Day. The holiday was established in honour of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America from the United Kingdom of Great Britain on 4 July 1776. This year, Americans celebrate the 247th anniversary of this event. 

Two and a half centuries ago, the US Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 representatives from 13 colonies. Among the signatories was the first President of the United States, 70-year-old Benjamin Franklin. To this day, he is considered a national hero of the country. After all, Franklin is the only one of the "founding fathers" to have signed all three fundamental documents in the history of the United States: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Treaty of Versailles.

Traditionally, 4 July is a federal holiday in the United States. Americans decorate their homes with national flags, organise family picnics and barbecues. An integral part of the American Independence Day is fireworks, which are traditionally launched every year.

However, this year, some states have decided to abandon them due to the risk of fire and environmental concerns. Instead, for the first time in history, they will be replaced with a light show by drones that will simulate fireworks and show aerial animation.

Since its founding, the United States of America has declared an unwavering commitment to democratic values and freedoms. Supporting these principles both at home and far beyond its borders.

Therefore, when the Russian Federation invaded the territory of sovereign Ukraine in February 2022 in violation of international laws and rules, it was the United States that led the way in providing financial, military and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the American people on the national holiday, thanking them for their "unwavering support" and "unwavering commitment".

"I sincerely congratulate the American people on Independence Day! I thank President Joseph Biden, both Houses of Congress and all Americans for their unwavering support of Ukraine and unwavering commitment to protecting our common ideals of freedom and democracy.

I wish peace and prosperity to your beautiful country. May the colours of the American flag forever remain a symbol of freedom, courage and patriotism, inspiring all people of the free world," Mr Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter.

The United States is a leader in providing military and financial assistance to Ukraine. According to the latest Pentagon figures, since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the US has provided more than $40.5 billion in security assistance to Ukrainians.