On 4 July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Second Continental Congress. This document brought about the formal separation of the thirteen North American colonies from Great Britain, thereby establishing the United States of America.
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day—has been a national holiday in the USA since 1941. Celebrations take the form of family get-togethers, parades, and firework displays.
The tradition of setting off fireworks on 4 July began in Philadelphia in 1777. During the first organised celebration of Independence Day, a ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honour of the thirteen colonies, thus igniting the tradition of fireworks.
Happy Fourth of July!