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July 4th is a significant day in American history as it marks the country's Independence Day. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress declared the thirteen American colonies as a new nation, free from British rule by signing the Declaration of Independence.
On July 4th, 1777 - exactly one year later, Philadelphia organized the first Independence Day celebration. Ship's cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 original colonies. Fireworks were set off on the Commons, as well as over the Boston Commons, thus solidifying the holiday tradition.
A few weeks earlier, in June 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag for the United States of America. The flag was designed to represent the new union of the thirteen original colonies with thirteen stripes, red and white alternating, and thirteen stars in a circle, white on a blue field - red standing for valor, white signifying purity, and blue for loyalty.
Commonly celebrated with fireworks, barbeques + picnics, parades + festivals, and more, Independence Day is a way to celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Learn more about Independence Day and American history by checking out out any of the titles listed below:
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