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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Glacial spires in the fog
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Christmas comes to New York City
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Logan Creek Suspension Bridge, West Coast Trail, Canada
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Smoking nights in Austria
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Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
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Tufa formations in Mono Lake, California
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A gorge-ous mill in the Causses
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The Brocken, Harz National Park, Germany
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International Day for Biodiversity
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May the Fourth be with you…
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
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Zoroaster Temple, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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The Spirit of Harlem by Louis Delsarte
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World Oceans Day
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Going head-to-head with winter
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It s aboat time for the Barcolana
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A herd of impalas, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
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Reflecting on Black History Month
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Lick Observatory
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International Zebra Day
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
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Málaga, Spain
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National Park Service Founders Day
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Bringing together history and technology
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Happy International Astronomy Day!
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Clark Range, Yosemite National Park, California
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Cinco de Mayo
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
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Penguin Awareness Day
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World Heritage Day
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

