Celebrating the Fourth of July 2025: Parades, Travel, and Some Unexpected News

Intermediate | July 4, 2025

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America’s Birthday is Here!

Why the Fourth of July 2025 Is Special

Hi everyone! It’s almost the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, in the United States. This holiday is a very big deal because it celebrates when the country officially became independent from British rule back on Fourth of July 2025.

How People Celebrate

Americans remember this important day by doing lots of fun things. Since Fourth of July 2025 is on a Friday this year, many people get a long weekend to celebrate!

Let the Good Times Roll on the Fourth of July 2025 (and Travel Records Break!)

Fireworks and Festivities

One of the most popular ways to celebrate is by watching fireworks! Cities and towns across the country have amazing fireworks shows. People also enjoy parades, having picnics or barbecues with friends and family, listening to patriotic music, and attending concerts.

Record Travel This Year

Guess what? A record number of Americans are planning to travel this year for the holiday! AAA predicts that over 72 million people will travel far from home, mostly by car, but also many by plane. With the holiday on a Friday, people are really gearing up for extended trips.

Plan Ahead

Just remember that because it’s a federal holiday, many government offices, post offices, and banks will be closed on July 4th. Most stores and restaurants will still be open, but it’s a good idea to check their hours just in case.

Some Different Headlines This Year

Canceled Celebrations in LA

Beyond the usual fun, there’s also some other news this year. Unfortunately, some Fourth of July celebrations in Los Angeles County have been canceled. This is happening because of concerns about increased federal immigration enforcement activities in communities with many immigrants.

Extra Security

Also, security is being extra careful at some big public events. Experts say there’s a “heightened threat environment,” though officials haven’t mentioned any specific threats for the holiday itself.

History Meets Current Events

It’s interesting to see how this historical holiday connects with current events, from travel booms to local community concerns.

Vocabulary

Commemorate (verb): To remember and show respect for a person or event.
- Example: “Americans commemorate Independence Day on July 4th.”
Adoption (noun): The act of formally approving or accepting something.
- Example: “The adoption of the Declaration of Independence was a key moment.”
Declaration (noun): A formal statement.
- Example: “The Declaration of Independence is a very important document.”
Independence (noun): Freedom from the control of another person, country, or system.
- Example: “The holiday celebrates the country’s independence.”
Federal holiday (noun): A holiday established by the U.S. government.
- Example: “July 4th is a federal holiday, so many offices are closed.”
Anticipate (verb): To expect or predict that something will happen.
- Example: “We anticipate record travel numbers this weekend.”
Projected (adjective): Estimated or predicted for the future.
- Example: “A record number of travelers are projected to hit the road.”
Enforcement (noun): The process of making people obey a law or rule.
- Example: “Increased enforcement caused concerns in some areas.”
Heightened (adjective): Made stronger or more intense.
- Example: “Security is heightened for public events.”
Tariffs (noun): Taxes on goods coming into or going out of a country.
- Example: “Tariffs on fireworks could affect their price.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What does the Fourth of July commemorate?
How is the travel forecast for this July 4th different from previous years?
Why were some Independence Day events in Los Angeles canceled?
What kind of security updates are mentioned in the news?
How might the news about travel and cancellations affect people’s plans?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What is a national holiday in your country, and how do people celebrate it?
What does the word “independence” mean to you?
Why do you think traditions like fireworks and parades are important for holidays?
How do you think current events can influence how people celebrate national holidays?
What are some ways communities can help everyone feel safe and included during celebrations?

Related Idiom

“Gearing up”

Meaning: Preparing for something; getting ready for an activity or event.
Example: “Everyone is gearing up for the long holiday weekend.”

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This article was inspired by: https://www.history.com/articles/july-4th