Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marking the birth of the United States of America. On that day, the Founding Fathers declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the British Crown Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. July 2, 1776, marks the true date of American independence. On this day, the Second Continental Congress took a monumental step by officially voting to separate the 13 American colonies from British rule. This pivotal moment saw 12 out of 13 colonies approving the motion for independence, setting the stage for the birth of a new nation. The Declaration of Independence, 1776 By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. Discover everything you need to know about US Independence Day 2025, including the exact date it will be observed, whether it's a federal holiday, and how many years the United States will be When is Independence Day in the United States? Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Fourth of July isn't just a day for cookouts and fireworks. Here's a quick lesson about Independence Day and when it became a federal holiday. The Bill of Rights Institute developed an eight-question Independence Day quiz to test Americans' knowledge about the July 4th holiday. Although most Americans celebrate independence on July 4th, the true birth of our nation occurred on July 2nd, 1776, when the Continental Congress took the decisive vote to break from Great Britain. Independence Day is celebrated in the U.S. every year on the Fourth of July, but America’s Founding Fathers actually voted to break free from Great Britain two days earlier, on July 2, 1776. US Independence Day: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined. The Philippine Declaration of Independence (Filipino: Pagpapahayag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Declaración de Independencia de Filipinas) [a] was proclaimed by Filipino revolutionary forces general Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, in Cavite el Viejo (present-day Kawit, Cavite), Philippines. It asserted the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine islands from the 300 years of Fireworks. Hot dogs. Red, white, and blue everything. We all know how to celebrate the Fourth of July—but how much do you actually know about it? At Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, we’re all about the weird, the wild, and the “wait, WHAT?!” So in true Ripley’s fashion, we’re digging into the fun and freaky facts hiding behind America’s most explosive holiday. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4? If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. Other Founders would say July 4, the day that is currently recognized as a federal holiday by our national government. Why We Must Celebrate July 2nd– America’s True Independence Day by KrisAnne Hall, JD Most Americans mark July 4th as our nation’s birthday. But here’s a truth you likely weren’t taught in school: America’s actual Independence Day is July 2nd – and the founders knew it. It wasn’t the Declaration of Independence that created our freedom. It was our freedom that gave rise to the Independence Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated annually on July 4. It is often called the Fourth of July. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This event announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. A lthough Americans have long celebrated Independence Day on July 4, technically that is not when the colonies voted to become a new nation. That honor belongs to July 2, 1776, which was not only The United States of America celebrates its' birthday on Independence Day or Fourth of July. So, how old is America this year — 2025? The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on
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