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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Tasiilaq, Greenland
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Let the holiday shopping commence
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Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu prefecture, Japan
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Honoring the fallen
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International Zebra Day
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Atop the Needle of Chamonix
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Mount Hamilton, near San Jose, California
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Fog above the forest
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Big sky at Big Bend
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75th anniversary of the Spruce Goose
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Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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Fall for birding
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Steyr River, Austria
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Kjell Henriksen Observatory
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Groundhog Day
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Womens History Month
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European hedgehog, France
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International Surfing Day
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Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
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Who left the tub running?
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Goðafoss waterfall, Iceland
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International Tea Day
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua, Guatemala
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Golling Waterfall, Salzburg, Austria
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Celebrating Mexico in a Cultural Capital
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Up in the Highlands
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Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
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Why you should thank a nurse today
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

