Question 99 of 100 · 2008 civics test
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
From the 100-question list, the version for applications filed before October 20, 2025.
On the 65/20 list: one of the 20 questions for applicants 65 or older with 20 years as permanent residents.
Accepted answer
- July 4
Why this is the answer
July 4. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the document Jefferson wrote to explain why the colonies had decided to separate from Great Britain. Americans treat it as the country's birthday, with parades, fireworks, patriotic songs and public readings of the Declaration. John Adams expected exactly that: after the signing he wrote to his wife that he believed the day would be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. Give the date, not the year. Memory hook: the Fourth of July is the day the Declaration was adopted, not the day the war ended.