American Independence Day in the Pacific

Independence Day, also called Fourth of July, in the United States, is the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.  

Independence Day is celebrated on Monday, July 4, 2022 in the United States. 

It remains a national holiday marked by parades, concerts of patriotic music, and fireworks displays -  a potent symbol of national power and of specifically American qualities—even the freedom to stay at home and have a BBQ. 

So how do US Territories such as Guam, Northern Marianas and American Samoa celebrate July 4th? Do they partake in festivities being so far away from the United States itself?  

U.S. Territories refer to a group of geographical areas in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. These territories fall under the United States federal government but do not hold the same status as a state. 

These territories often reflect a mix of American culture and different local cultures, providing a unique experience.  

Northern Mariana Islands: 

The Northern Mariana islands celebrate the Fourth of July together with their own Liberation Day.   

Liberation Day is celebrated as the day when people were no longer required to remain inside the military camp after World War II. A relief of freedom —  for all those who walked out the front gates of the camp, and back to their homes to start living in peace.  

Celebrating July 4 and Liberation day together, the islands have motorcades led by Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands officials, U.S. military service members, car and motorcycle clubs, and various community members. They also celebrate with a festival when the pandemic permits and always fireworks - honouring the act of freedom that they have.  

Guam: 

Guam is home to many US Naval bases - on the day, army bases can be seen celebrating July 4. The island has its own Liberation Day on July 21st which is celebrated much more widely but US Independence Day in Guam is still celebrated with food, music and fireworks - this year the public is invited to share in the festivities at a Freedom Rocks festival. 

Freedom Rocks festival is an event, which is sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation Guam is the first year the festival has been held publicly since 2019, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of the island are excited and glad that they can finally partake in bigger celebrations and come together properly for the holiday. 

 Independence Day is a day of celebration, freedom and family. A time for the soldiers residing in Guam to stop and reflect on how far we've come and the sacrifices they have made to come together safely once again. 

American Samoa: 

American Samoa was annexed to the United States with the US Flag raised on April 17, 1900 on the main island Tutuila. Western Samoa, was taken by Germany. American Samoa has the highest rate of US Armed Forces enlistment of any US state or territory, so it is natural for 4 July to be a big holiday on the island. Those who give and risk so much to defend the US and its territories are quick to hold US independence dear.  

Independence Day celebrations are usually done in true American fashion – flare, good food and fun - topped off by an incredible Fireworks Show. A day filled with festivities, music, games, giveaways and mini concerts.  

The UN does not consider American Samoa self-governing but lists it as a dependency of the US. American Samoa states that it became a self-governing US territory on 1 July 1967. But unlike the other US Territories, American Samoa does not consider this independence and chooses to celebrate US Independence Day instead. 

Overall, these US Territories, all mixed with American culture and their own, celebrate July 4th Independence Day with festivity and fun - while adding in their own flare to the party.  

Happy Independence Day!