Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the Fourth of July? Independence Day of the United States, also known as the Fourth of July is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

On June, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose purpose was to draft a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence in a near unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively.) John Adams, delegate of the Second Continental Congress from Massachusetts, believed that July 2 would be the date to mark and celebrate forever our Declaration of Independence.

According to U.S. News, on July 3, 1776, Adams wrote his wife Abigail:

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Although Adams initially got the official date wrong, he correctly predicted the anniversary celebrations that would follow. On July 4, 1776, Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Congress established Independence Day as a federal holiday in 1870 and in 1941 it was approved as a paid-holiday to all federal employees.

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence with typical festivities such as barbeques, picnics, firework displays, and parades. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.

We are truly blessed to live in the country in which we live. We owe our forefathers, and our protectors today, a great debt of gratitude. However you choose to spend it, give thanks, enjoy the celebration and have a wonderful Fourth of July.

Be sure to check out Guidelines for Displaying of the U.S. Flag so that you can proudly and properly display your flag this Fourth of July.