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[[File:Dcfireworks.jpg|right|130px| The Spirit of '76]]

[[File:Dcfireworks.jpg|right|130px| The Spirit of '76]]

 

'''Independence Day''' is the celebration of the birthday of the [[United States of America]], referred to in [[Secularized Language|secularized language]] as July 4 or the Fourth of July.  On July 4, 1776, the [[Continental Congress]] formally adopted the [[Declaration of Independence]]; thus, breaking ties with the Kingdom of [[Great Britain]], and a new nation was born.<ref>The Congress had already voted for independence on July 2, 1776 and on July 4 it gave the reasons in the ''Declaration of Independence.''.</ref>  The document, primarily written by [[Thomas Jefferson]], served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would henceforth be free and independent states.<ref>[http://www.history.com/videos/jefferson-writes-declaration-of-independence Jefferson Writes Declaration of Independence]. ''The History Channel website''. 2010. Accessed Jul 4, 2010.</ref>

'''Independence Day''' is the celebration of the birthday of the [[United States of America]], referred to in [[Secularized Language|secularized language]] as July 4 or the Fourth of July.  On July 4, 1776, the [[Continental Congress]] formally adopted the [[Declaration of Independence]]; thus, breaking ties with the Kingdom of [[Great Britain]], and a new nation was born.<ref>The Congress had already voted for independence on July 2, 1776 and on July 4 it gave the reasons in the ''Declaration of Independence.''.</ref>  The document, primarily written by [[Thomas Jefferson]], served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would henceforth be free and independent states.<ref>[http://www.history.com/videos/jefferson-writes-declaration-of-independence Jefferson Writes Declaration of Independence]. ''The History Channel website''. 2010. Accessed Jul 4, 2010.</ref>