Independence Day is the birthday of a nation, marking the anniversary of its freedom from the rule of another country. Many countries large and small celebrate their Independence Day.

The best-known Independence Day is that of the United States, celebrated every July 4. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The Congress declared the American Colonies free and independent states.

In early days, American Independence Days were occasions for shows, games, military music, and fireworks. Today, most cities and states forbid the sale of fireworks, though many have large public fireworks displays organized by professionals. Celebrations today often include parades, games, concerts, speeches, and picnics.

Independence Day, in the United States, an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the United States.

The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a “safe and sane” holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

The Liberty Bell in the United States symbolizes the movement, and the fight, for world freedom in the year 1776. This bell was originally manufactured to anounce town meetings. The people who manufactured this bell could never have guessed the future artistic significance of this icon of freedom. Even the crack that developed from decades of constant use seems to speak to the fragile nature of human rights.

John Adams, the second President of the United States in 1797 - 1801, wrote how the July 4th holiday should be celebrated,

"I am to believe that July 4, 1776 will be celebrated by future generations as the great festival. It should be remembered as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It should be remembered with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and fireworks, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore."