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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Tall, taller, tallest
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Infinity Day
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High alpine color in Colorado
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Listening to the sea
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Aw shucks, it’s oyster season in Galway
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria
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We did not invent this, honest
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International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
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Here comes summer
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Rocks on the move
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Talk like a pirate—or walk the plank
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Saksun, Faroe Islands, Denmark
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The Christmas Bird Count begins
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Umschreibung by Olafur Eliasson in Munich
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Happy New Year! (Again!)
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Longer days mean warmer sand
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Greater flamingos, Lüderitz, Namibia
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International Chameleon Day
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Big Bend National Park turns 78
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Eurasian lynx
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Overlooking the Douro
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Great Backyard Bird Count
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Splügen Pass, Switzerland
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3, 2, 1 … Happy New Year!
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India Republic Day
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
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Wanderin Wawayanda
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Wartburg Castle overlooking Thuringian Forest in Germany
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A river on the tundra
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