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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Floating market, Kaptai Lake, Bangladesh
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Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
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International Tiger Day
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A hero for the 21st century
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The (Inca) empire strikes back
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World Lion Day
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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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Gemsbok in Namibian sand dunes
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Ocean City, Maryland, at sunrise
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Dreaming of the Tyrrhenian Sea
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Tough turf
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Lei Day in Hawaii
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Happy Fathers Day!
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Point Reyes National Seashore in California
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Wild garlic in bloom at Hainich National Park, Germany
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A dreamy start to the Year of the Pig
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US Coast Guard: Protecting us for 105 years
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European hedgehog
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Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain
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Après-ski in the Dolomites
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Barn owl, England
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Yosemite National Park anniversary
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Cool water in the Quinault
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International Sloth Day
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World Giraffe Day
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Combating extinction with citizen science
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Mitsumata blossoms
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Mooncake time
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Listening to the sea
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Storm rolls over the grasslands
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

