The United States Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. The birthday of the United States of America—Independence Day—is celebrated on July 4, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress (source: wikipedia). This joyous occasion is known as Independence Day and celebrated with loads of beer, BBQ food and fireworks lighting up the skies.
Lyle Luloff, 93, waves to a friend as he sits atop his tractor before the start of the Independence Day Parade in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Sam Smock, 57, of Independence, makes adjustments to his float before the start of the Independence Day parade in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Members of the boy scouts carry an American flag during the Independence Day Parade in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Members of the color guard practice before the start of the Independence Day Parade in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
The United States Marine Guard of the U.S. embassy in Amman present the colour during an Independence Day ceremony July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Ali Jarekji
U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive to make remarks at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military and their families on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
U.S. President Barack Obama holds Joshua Blanchard, whose father Brandon Blanchard is a member of the U. S. Coast Guard, at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the military and their families on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Families of U.S. servicemen and women attend an Independence Day barbeque on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York during the Macy's Independence Day celebration as seen from North Bergen, New Jersey, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn
Fireworks light up the sky over the United States Capitol dome and the Washington Monument as the U.S. celebrates its 235th Independence Day in Washington July 4, 2011 . REUTERS/Hyungwon Kang
Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York as people watch the Macy's Independence Day celebration in North Bergen, New Jersey, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn
Fireworks explode over Lake Ossipee on Independence Day, in Freedom, New Hampshire July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
People watch Fourth of July fireworks on a sandbar in Barnstable Harbor, Massachusetts, on Independence Day in the United States, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York during the Macy's Independence Day celebration as seen from North Bergen, New Jersey, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn
Fireworks light up the sky over the Potomac River near the Washington Monument as the U.S. celebrates its 235th Independence Day in Washington July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Molly Riley
People gather to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Fireworks explode over the Hudson River and the skyline of New York as people watch the Macy's Independence Day celebration in North Bergen, New Jersey, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Gary Hershorn
A couple kiss during the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
People gather to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
People gather to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
People gather to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
A girl lies on the grass as she watches the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. Voters in the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary will be the first to cast ballots in the upcoming U.S. Presidential race. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Dyllan Kimberlin (C), 4, plays with sparklers as he and his family wait to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in Independence, Iowa July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
Jerry McKinley stands next to his horse Triton Fire, as he waits for Independence Day fireworks in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
A general view of Los Angeles from Griffith Park during Independence Day fireworks in Los Angeles, July 4, 2011. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni )
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