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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La Geria wine region, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
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Protecting Alaska
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A plot was afoot
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National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
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Wadden Sea coast, Friesland, Netherlands
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Taking the forest to the cloud
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Pollinator Week
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Father s Day
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Pups of the prairie
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Beyond Walls for World Refugee Day
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Glacier cave in Iceland
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Anniversary of National Park Service
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Twas a night just like tonight
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Islands that turned the tide
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Next stop, Tofino
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Anybody out there?
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New Zealand s loneliest mountain
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Corfu at night, Greece
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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
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International Jazz Day
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Installation art turns heads
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Road to Sa Calobra, Majorca, Spain
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Celebrating Madagascar on its Independence Day
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Pi Day
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National Park Week: Olympic National Park, Washington
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An old celebration for a new season
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A wonder in winter
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A gorge-ous mill in the Causses
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World Hello Day
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A monastery in the mountain
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

