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
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The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
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30 years after Exxon Valdez
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It’s National Walk to Work Day
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Loud waters
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We re gonna need a bigger birdhouse
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The ruins of a Maya superpower
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An island hopper s paradise
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Sounds of Bach come to Bath
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Mercury in retrograde
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International Day of the Tropics
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Computer science on the page
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Presidents Day
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Fall colors below Mount Sneffels near Ridgway, Colorado
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Astronomy Day
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Fog above the forest
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Hey neighbor, it s World Space Week!
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Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
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Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona
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Happy International Astronomy Day!
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One for the books
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World Bee Day
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Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona
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A ‘Superior’ paddle
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Wheels up in Beijing
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‘Hello’ from zero degrees longitude
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Native American Heritage Day
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Grab onto the handlebars, kid
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Commemorating peace in Antarctica
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A day to celebrate the sun
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A water loch-ed castle