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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International Tiger Day
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National Take the Stairs Day
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Honoring our veterans
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The Unfinished Obelisk near Aswan, Egypt
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Ross Errilly Friary, County Galway, Ireland
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Guiding ships to safety
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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California
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World Wildlife Day
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International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
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A grotesque scene
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Ponta Delgada
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Logan Creek Suspension Bridge, West Coast Trail, Canada
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National Find a Rainbow Day
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Fox kits
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Finding a balance between wetlands and water treatment
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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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The snows of Fuji
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International Day of Human Space Flight
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Birds of a feather
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Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
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National Park Week: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
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That s quite a schnoz, baby tapir
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Rising up from the black sand like rock gods
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Brocken spectre in Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria
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Great gray owls in their nest, Finland
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Joshua Tree National Park, California
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Sea Slug Day
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Happy World Laughter Day
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Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal
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Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

