Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Independence Day

Independence Day \In`de*pend"ence Day\ In the United States, a holiday, the 4th of July, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on that day in 1776.

Wikipedia
Independence Day (1996 film)

Independence Day (sometimes styled as ID4) is a 1996 American epic, science fiction film. Directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich, the film focuses on disparate groups of people who converge in the Nevada desert in the aftermath of a calamitous attack by an ostensibly powerful extraterrestrial race from an unknown origin. Along with the rest of the human population, they launch a last-ditch counterattack on July 4 – the same date as the Independence Day in the United States.

While promoting Stargate in Europe, Emmerich came up with the idea for the film when fielding a question about his own belief in the existence of alien life. He and Devlin decided to incorporate a large-scale attack having noticed that aliens in most invasion films travel long distances in outer space only to remain hidden when reaching Earth. Shooting began in July 1995 in New York City, and the film was officially completed on June 20, 1996.

Now considered to be a significant turning point in the history of the Hollywood blockbuster, the film was released in wide on July 3, 1996, but began showing on July 2 (the same day the film's story begins) in limited release the result of a high level of anticipation among moviegoers. The film grossed over $817.4 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1996, and briefly, the second highest-grossing film worldwide of all time behind 1993's Jurassic Park. , it ranks 55th among the highest-grossing films worldwide, and was at the forefront of the large-scale disaster film and sci-fi resurgence of the mid-1990s. The film received positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its groundbreaking special effects, musical score, patriotic theme, and acting, which focused primarily on the performances of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Others criticized its storyline and character development. It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing. A sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, was released on June 24, 2016.

Independence Day (Israel)

Independence Day ( Yom Ha'atzmaut, lit. "Day of Independence") is the national day of Israel, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. It is celebrated either on the 5th of Iyar, according to the Hebrew calendar, or on one of the preceding or following days, depending on which day of the week this date falls on. Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day is followed by Independence Day.

Independence Day (United States)

Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4 by the Continental Congress. It declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States.

Independence Day (disambiguation)

An Independence Day is an annual event commemorating the anniversary of a nation's independence or statehood.

Independence Day may also refer to:

Independence Day (Malta)

The Maltese Independence Day is celebrated on September 21. The nation's independence as a Commonwealth realm, a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations with Elizabeth II as the Queen of Malta, was granted on that date in 1964.

Malta became a republic on December 13, 1974 (which is commemorated on a separate holiday called Republic Day), and gained absolute autonomy on March 31, 1979 (which is called Freedom Day).

Independence Day (Finland)

Finland's Independence Day (, ) is a national public holiday, and a flag day, held on 6 December to celebrate Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian Republic in 1917.

Independence Day (Darvill-Evans novel)

Independence Day is a BBC Books original novel written by Peter Darvill-Evans and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Seventh Doctor and Ace.

Independence Day (Philippines)

Independence Day ( Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan; also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, (or "Day of Freedom") is an annual national holiday in the Philippines observed on June 12, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. Since 1962, it has been the country's National Day.

Independence Day (video game)

Independence Day is a combat flight simulator video game based on the 1996 film of the same name. The game was developed by Radical Entertainment, published by Fox Interactive and distributed by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

Independence Day (Ford novel)

Independence Day is a 1995 novel by Richard Ford and the sequel to Ford's 1986 novel The Sportswriter. This novel is the second in what is now a four part series. It was followed by The Lay of the Land (2006) and Let Me Be Frank With You (2014).

Independence Day won the Pulitzer Prize and PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 1996, becoming the first novel ever to win both awards in a single year.

The novel follows Frank Bascombe, a New Jersey real estate agent (and ex-sportwriter), through the titular holiday weekend as he visits his ex-wife, his troubled son, his current lover, the tenants of one of his properties, and some clients of his who have been having trouble finding the perfect house. It focuses in particular on a car trip with his son to the Basketball and Baseball halls of fame. It was well-reviewed, with Michiko Kakutani writing in The New York Times that "Mr. Ford has galvanized his reputation as one of his generation's most eloquent voices." Similar in form and common themes to John Updike's Rabbit novels, Independence Day is a pastoral meditation on a man reaching middle age and assessing his place in life and the greater world.

Independence Day (India)

Independence Day, is annually observed on 15 August as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the British Empire on 15 August 1947. India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to sectarian violence. On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the prime minister has raised the flag and given a speech.

The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events.There is a national holiday and schools and government offices distribute sweets but no official work is done.

Independence Day (Martina McBride song)

"Independence Day" is a song written by Gretchen Peters, and performed by American country music singer Martina McBride. It was released in April 1994 as the third single from her album The Way That I Am. The song peaked at number 12 on Hot Country Songs. Peters later recorded it herself on her 1996 album The Secret of Life. It was first offered to Reba McEntire, who turned it down.

In 2003, it ranked 50th in CMT's 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music. The following year, it ranked #2 in CMT's 100 Greatest Videos in Country Music. The song was also featured in CMT's Controversy in terms of release and included interviews from " The Today Show" reporter Tiki Barber, Brad Paisley, McBride herself, and former National Organization for Women president Patricia Ireland. In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song #77 in their list of the 100 greatest country songs. The song has sold 550,000 copies in the US as of July 2015.

Songwriter Gretchen Peters received the Country Music Association's Song of the Year award in 1994 for "Independence Day."

Independence Day (Bahrain)

Bahrain Independence Day occurred on 15 August 1971, when the country declared independence from the British following a United Nations survey of the Bahraini population. The British announced the withdrawal of their troops east of Suez in the early 1960s.

Bahrain declared its independence on 15 August 1971, marked by the signing of a friendship treaty with the British that terminated previous agreements between the two sides.

Although 15 August is the actual date on which Bahrain gained its independence from the British, the state does not celebrate or mark that date. Instead, the state annually celebrates 16 December as "National Day" to coincide with the day that former ruler Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa ascended to the throne. As such, 16 December is a national holiday and is usually celebrated with firework displays.

In 2013, the opposition have called for mass protests to coincide with the day under the title Bahrain Tamarod.

Independence Day (Bangladesh)

The Independence Day of Bangladesh ( Shadhinôta Dibôs), also referred to as 26 March, is a national holiday. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan in the late hours of 25 March 1971 by the " Father of the Nation" Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before he was arrested by Pakistani forces.

Independence Day (Bruce Springsteen song)

"Independence Day" is a song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen. It was originally released on his fifth album released in 1980, The River. It was recorded at The Power Station in New York February and May 1980.

Independence Day (Cyprus)

In Cyprus Independence Day falls on 1 October. It is celebrated by festivals at the schools and a large military parade in the capital. Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960, after a 4-year war.

Independence Day (Niger)

Independence Day in the Republic of Niger is commemorated on August 3, marking the nation's independence from France in 1960. Since 1975, it is also Arbor Day, as trees are planted across the nation to aid the fight against desertification.

Independence Day (Pakistan)

Independence Day (; Yaum-e Āzādī), observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation following the end of the British Raj in 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement which aimed for the creation of an independent Muslim state by division of the north-western regions of South Asia. The movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 under which the British Raj gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which comprised West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which, being Laylat al-Qadr, is regarded as sacred by Muslims.

The main Independence Day ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings. It is followed by the national anthem and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events and festivities for the day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and citizens often hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire.

Independence Day (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka's Independence Day was celebrated on 4th of February, in accordance with Lipass/Joshua Louis Law to commemorate its internal political independence from British rule on that day in 1948. The day is a national holiday in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated all over the country through flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.

Many national struggles were made in the history of Sri Lanka. And on the independence day all of these are remembered and celebrated. But the independence movement against the British is especially recalled.

In the President's speech, he highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. The President also pays tribute to the national heroes of Sri Lanka, observes two minutes of silence in their memory, challenges and vows to eradicate separatism. A great military parade is also made. In recent years it show cases the power of the army, navy, air force, police and the civil defense force, and the commitment, bravery, national unity and determination to achieve peace is recollected in the minds of people.

Independence Day (1983 film)

Independence Day is a 1983 film directed by Robert Mandel from a script by the novelist Alice Hoffman. It was designed by Stewart Campbell and shot by Charles Rosher. It stars Kathleen Quinlan, David Keith, Cliff DeYoung, Frances Sternhagen and Dianne Wiest.

The film concerns the small-town life of an artist (Quinlan) and her challenge to become "what she's almost sure she could be." "Her desperation takes the form of affectations and pretensions that are a little like those of the young Katharine Hepburn in Alice Adams and the young Margaret Sullavan in The Shop Around the Corner, but the Quinlan character "has the talent driving her on past all that." Wiest plays a battered wife.

The film was reviewed favorably by the critic Pauline Kael in her collection State of the Art: "Kathleen Quinlan plays the part of the woman artist with a cool, wire-taut intensity, Robert Mandel keeps the whole cast interacting quietly and satisfyingly, Wiest has hold of an original character and plays her to the scary hilt." After years only available on VHS, Independence Day got a DVD release by the Warner Archive Collection on November 2015.

Independence Day (Brazil)

The Independence Day of Brazil , commonly called Sete de Setembro (September 7th), is a national holiday observed in Brazil on September 7 of every year. The date celebrates Brazil's Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves on September 7, 1822.

Independence Day (Somaliland)

Independence Day in Somaliland is an annual celebration held on May 18 in Somaliland to mark the polity's declaration of independence from the rest of Somalia, a unilateral proclamation which remains unrecognized the world over. Although internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia, the twentieth anniversary of the territory's self-declared independence was celebrated in 2011 at the National Palace in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, with shops closing down for the day.

Independence Day (Myanmar)

Independence Day is a national holiday observed in Myanmar on January 4 of every year. The date celebrates Myanmar's Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom on January 4, 1948.

Independence Day (Eritrea)

The Independence Day of Eritrea is one of the most important public holidays in the country. It is observed on May 24 every year. On this day in 1991, Eritrean People's Liberation Front forces moved into the capital Asmara, reinstating independence, following a 30-year-long battle against the Ethiopian military regime. Eritrea Independence Day is a national holiday, with workers given a day off from work.

Independence Day (Croatia)

Croatian Independence Day is a national public holiday marked yearly on 8 October that celebrates the unanimous decision of the Croatian Parliament - Sabor to terminate the link between Croatia and SFR Yugoslavia.

Independence Day (Republic of Macedonia)

The Independence Day in the Republic of Macedonia is celebrated on 8 September. It has been a national holiday since 1991, when a Referendum for Independence took place. The Republic of Macedonia gained its independence from Yugoslavia, where it was a federal state, and became a sovereign parliamentary democracy.

On September 8, 1991, over 95.5% of the 75.8% turnout voters on the Referendum voted for the independence of the Republic Macedonia.

- said the then- President of the Republic of Macedonia Kiro Gligorov on the evening of September 8, addressing the citizens who spontaneously gathered at Macedonia Square in the capital Skopje, to celebrate the successful referendum.

The people's will for an independent state was confirmed with the Declaration of the referendum results on September 18, 1991, by the first multi-party Macedonian Parliament. Finally, on 25 September 1991, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Macedonian Parliament. Next, the new Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia was adopted on 17 November 1991.

Due to Greek opposition to a new state containing the term 'Macedonia', the sovereign status of the state was not recognised until April 8, 1993, with an acclamation of the UN General Assembly, when Republic of Macedonia was admitted as 181st full-fledged member in the world organisation under the provisional reference Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Independence Day (Young Justice)

"Independence Day" is the first episode of the animated television series Young Justice, which first aired on November 26, 2010 alongside the episode "Fireworks" as part of an hour-long special. The episode features Young Justice team members Robin, Aqualad, Superboy, and Kid Flash, while Miss Martian and Artemis joined later in the series. References to the cartoons Super Friends and Teen Titans appear in the episode. "Independence Day" won an Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Animation.

Independence Day (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Bosnian Independence Day is a public holiday observed by the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina held on 1 March to celebrate independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The holiday is not observed in Republika Srpska, the other entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Citizens of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the referendum that was held between 29 February and 1 March 1992. The referendum question was: "Are you in favor of a sovereign and independent Bosnia-Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens and nations of Muslims, Serbs, Croats and others who live in it?" Independence was strongly favoured by Bosniak and Bosnian Croat voters, while Bosnian Serbs (except for those in larger cities) boycotted it or were prevented from participating by Bosnian Serb authorities. The total turnout of voters was 63.6% of which 99.7% voted for the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The results of the referendum were accepted on 6 March by the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 7 April 1992, the European Community recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent state. The Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the parliament of the Bosniak-Croat Federation) then made the decision on 28 February 1995 that 1 March be the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a national holiday. Two days later, on 1 March 1995, Independence Day was celebrated for the first time.

The Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina is celebrated only in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Republika Srpska boycotts this holiday and celebrates its own Independence Day on 9 January. Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, has claimed that Independence Day "is a holiday of the Bosniak people and we do not dispute it, but it is not a holiday celebrated in the RS".

Independence Day (Belarus)

Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus (Republic Day) is a public holiday, the independence day of Belarus and is celebrated each year on July 3.

Independence Day (Turkmenistan)

Independence Day of Turkmenistan is the main state holiday in Turkmenistan. This date is celebrated in Turkmenistan annually on October 27.

Independence Day (Estonia)

Independence Day is a national holiday in Estonia marking the anniversary of the Estonian Declaration of Independence in 1918. It is commonly celebrated with fireworks, concerts, torchlight marches, parades, and parties. It is the national day of Estonia.

Independence Day (Grenada)

Independence Day of Grenada is a public holiday on :7 February. It is celebrated with parades and ceremonies to commemorate Grenada's Independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. The 42nd anniversary was in 2016.

Independence Day (Georgia)

Independence Day (, damoukideblobis dghe) is an annual public holiday in Georgia observed on 26 May. It commemorates the 26 May 1918 adoption of the Act of Independence, which established the Democratic Republic of Georgia in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917. It is the national day of Georgia. Independence Day is associated with military parades, fireworks, concerts, fairs, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history and culture of Georgia.

Independence Day (Algeria)

Independence Day, observed annually on 5 July every year, is a National Holiday in Algeria commemorating Algeria's independence from France on 5 July 1962.

Independence Day (Somalia)

The Independence Day of Somalia is a national holiday observed annually in Somalia on July 1. The date celebrates the union of the Trust Territory of Somaliland (the former Italian Somaliland) and the State of Somaliland (the former British Somaliland) on July 1, 1960, which formed the Somali Republic (Somalia). A government was subsequently formed by Abdullahi Issa and Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal and other members of the trusteeship and protectorate governments, with speaker of the SOMALIA ACT OF UNION Haji Bashir Ismail Yusuf as President of the Somali National Assembly, Aden Abdullah Osman Daar as President of the Somali Republic, On 20 July 1961 and through a popular referendum, the people of Somalia ratified a new constitution, which was first drafted in 1960.

Independence Day (Djibouti)

Djibouti's Independence Day is a national public holiday held annually on 27 June to mark the territory's declaration of independence from France. An independence referendum was held in the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas on 8 May 1977 alongside elections for a Constituent Assembly. Unlike the rigged 1958 and 1967 plebiscites, this time the territory became independent as Djibouti on 27 June 1977. Independence day celebrations have taken on livelier forms, with shops decorating their windows in the blue, green, white and the red star of the Djiboutian flag.

Independence Day (Uzbekistan)

Independence Day is an official national holiday in Uzbekistan, celebrated on the first of September.

Independence Day (2000 film)

Independence Day is a 2000 bilingual drama film shot in Tamil and Kannada, directed by A. R. Ramesh. The film stars Sai Kumar, Arun Pandian, Roja and Ranjitha in the lead roles. Music for the film was composed by Deva and the film opened to mixed reviews in August 2000.

Independence Day (book series)

The feature film Independence Day has been the inspiration for a series of novels. The first three novels were originally published in the 1990s based on the 1996 release of the first film, and were republished in March 2016 as a single-volume edition (The Complete Independence Day Omnibus).