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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Azaleas blooming on Hwangmaesan Mountain, South Korea
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The Great Glen
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A goldie gala
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National Moth Week
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The most Instagrammable bird?
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Take me to the river
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National Bison Day
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Swinging into International Jazz Day
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A whale of a hug
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Birds of a feather flocking together
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It s harvest time on World Food Day
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World Elephant Day
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Making it work—in Norway
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Celebrating the first day of spring
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Playa del Silencio, Spain
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Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
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Fly me to the moon
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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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50 years of Earth Day
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The roots of invention
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Birthplace of Roman emperors
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Edinburgh festivals
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Winter in Old Nuuk
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Groovy!
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Illuminating Annecy
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Palouse farmland, Washington state
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North Cascades National Park at 50
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Is that a smile?
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Salt of the earth
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Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington