Is it July 4th, July Fourth, Fourth of July, 4th of July, or Independence Day?

The next federal holiday celebrated in the United States is Independence Day. Millions of Americans will celebrate the birth of the nation in various ways. However, many people refer to the holiday by the date on the calendar instead of the name of the official national holiday. So, what do you call the federal holiday that comes on July 4?

Different names for same day

There are several names by which the next holiday can be called, and each one would be correct. It is a matter of personal preference and what people have been accustomed to saying over the years.

The day can be referred to by one of five different names. Some use the names interchangeably. Do you say July 4th, July Fourth, Fourth Of July, 4th of July, or Independence Day?

The official name is Independence Day. That's because it commemorates the birth of the nation. The Declaration of Indepence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Fourth of July is the date the United States received independence from Great Britain. That's the reason the Fourth of July is a legal holiday in the United States. Other countries have their own freedom days, but it is not on July 4.

If you listen to people talk, it appears that the Fourth of July tops the list. No matter what you call it or how you write it, celebrate the birth of the nation.

How do you write the holiday?

While there are no set ways to say it, there are rules concerning how to write the name of the holiday. In formal writing, July 4 is more acceptable than July 4th. It is not acceptable to start a sentence with a number. Therefore, 4th of July is not acceptable at all. However, writing Fourth of July and fourth of July are acceptable in writing.

When is the holiday celebrated?

Some holidays are celebrated on the date and not the day. For instance, July fourth is alway celebrated on the date and not the day. The day will change but not the date. Other holidays are celebrated on the date regardless of which day it falls on. For instance, Christmas is always celebrated on December 25 no matter which day it falls on.

The same holds true for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Valentine's Day is not a legal holiday, but it always falls on February 14 no matter which day it is on. That's why the days for these holidays change each year.

There are some holidays that are celebrated on the day and not the date. For instance, Thanksgiving is always on the last Thursday in November no matter what date it is. These are not federal holidays but Mother's Day is always on the second Sunday in May, and Father's Day is always on the third Sunday in June.