Click here for the 2007 Independence Day Presidential Proclamation

Click here for the Governor's Proclamation for Independence Day.

Independence Day commemorates the birthday of the United States of America as a nation and is also a national holiday that honors the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  Independence Day is celebrated each year in all fifty states and possessions of the United States of America.  In 1941, Congress declared the Fourth of July as a federal legal holiday.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the American Colonies were free and could act as independent states.  It was not until two days later on July 4 that delegates agreed on a formal document announcing their action.  On July 4, 1776, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.  In the early days of this holiday, people celebrated by participating in shows, games, sports, military music performances, setting off fireworks, and the firing of guns and cannons.  Americans now traditionally celebrate this day by being involved in family activities that conclude with evening firework displays.