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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Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona
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Nomads of the Gobi
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An old celebration for a new season
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Dog days of summer
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Hispanic Heritage Month
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Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
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Happy Diwali!
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Tortula moss, Netherlands
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50 years of the Endangered Species Act
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An avian predator built for the snow
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A dying breed of tree thrives in an American park
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International Whale Shark Day
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Observing a squirrelly day
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World Giraffe Day
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3, 2, 1 … Happy New Year!
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Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy
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Dancing waters of Dubai
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North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany
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Mitsumata blossoms
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National Moon Day
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Jeju Island, South Korea
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Goats don t grow on trees
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Composite of photographs from the Apollo 15 mission
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Happy Independence Day!
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Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
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Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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A step toward freedom
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El Valle de la Luna, Chile
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Rosa Parks Day
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Bridge over the River Tara
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

