Break out the BBQ and unfurl your flags, Independence Day is here! Founding Father John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that he believed the holiday would be celebrated with parades, sports, shows, and illuminations. After 247 years, Americans are keeping those traditions alive, though not on the date that Adams anticipated. The Second Continental Congress voted to approve the independence of the United States of America on July 2, 1776, but formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4. That date, enshrined on the Declaration document, became the one we observe today. If you"re looking for a grand way to celebrate, journey to New York City for views of their annual fireworks show and the Empire State Building lit up to match in red, white, and blue.
Happy Independence Day!
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Celebrating Festivus
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Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day
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Burrowing owls
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Gray days ahead in Monterey
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Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba
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International Roller Coaster Day
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A peek behind the royal curtain
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The parenting of a piping plover
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Mam Tor, Derbyshire, England
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Cloudy with a chance of enlightenment
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Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Exploring the wilder side of New York
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Big dreams require a big sleigh
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Lick Observatory
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The old guard at Old San Juan
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What does the fox dream?
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Colorful houses of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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American robin
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Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
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Golden larches and Prusik Peak, the Enchantments, Washington
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Martin Luther King Day
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Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
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Raise your hand for Teacher Appreciation Day
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Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon
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Rising up from the black sand like rock gods
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Just a couple of yellow-billed hornbills
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Party like it’s 5779
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Fire-damaged forest near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
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Field of Light at Sensorio by Bruce Munro
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Lakeside serenity in Finland
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