America Celebrates Independence Day
U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are hosting a Fourth of July
barbecue for military families on the South Lawn of the White House Monday
afternoon. Later in the day, they will watch the Independence Day fireworks display at the National Mall.
The Fourth of July may be the most patriotic day on the U.S. calendar.
Independence Day celebrates the decision by the 13 original colonies to renounce
British rule and form the United States. However, that decision did not happen on July 4.
Representatives of the colonies actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776.
Two days later, they approved the Declaration of Independence, a document that
explained the vote. Many believed the country should celebrate on July 2.