Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870, according to the Library of Congress. Later, Congress reaffirmed it as a paid holiday for federal employees in 1938.

For the past two years, Independence Day landed on Tuesday and Thursday, which extended the holiday period to 4.25 days. The last time the celebration was 3.25 days was in 2022.

Independence Day shouldn’t just be a day of celebration. It must be our guide to not give up. Issac J. Bailey is a McClatchy opinion writer in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July? Fireworks became a part of Independence Day celebrations the very first year the anniversary was celebrated, according to the channel.