History of the 4th of July Holiday

Independence Day, which is commonly known as “the Fourth of July”, commemorates the date the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This historically important document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, was the formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire. It asserted that the colonies would henceforth be free and independent states. This date is regarded as the birthday of the United States of America. Consequently, the day is typically celebrated with parades, ceremonies, barbecues, family gatherings…and most importantly, FIREWORKS.