What is Independence Day (United States)?
{{Infobox holiday | image=Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986.jpg | caption=Displays of fireworks, such as these over the [[Washington Monument]] in 1986, take place across the United States on Independence Day. | holiday_name=Independence Day | nickname=The Fourth of July<br>The Fourth | significance=The day in 1776 that the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] was adopted by the [[Second Continental Congress|Continental Congress]] | observedby= United States | scheduling= same day each year | date = July 4 | duration = 1 day | frequency = annual | mdy = yes | celebrations = [[Fireworks]], [[family reunion]]s, concerts, [[barbecue]]s, [[picnic]]s, [[parade]]s, [[baseball|baseball games]] | type = National }} In the [[United States]], '''Independence Day''', commonly known as '''the Fourth of July''' or '''the Fourth''', is a [[holiday]] commemorating the adoption of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] on July 4, 1776, declaring the [[independence]] of the [[Thirteen Colonies]] from the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain]]. On Independence Day there are many events such as [[Fireworks#U.S. Independence Day|fireworks]], [[parade]]s, [[barbecue]]s, [[carnival]]s, [[picnic]]s, [[concert]]s, [[baseball]] games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events. These events celebrate the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a [[National Day|national holiday]] marked by [[patriotism|patriotic]] displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the [[United States Postal Service|postal service]] and [[United States federal courts|federal courts]]) are closed on that day. Many [[politician]]s make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to pra