Today's Holiday: Independence Day

On this day 233 years ago, the Continental Congress formally approved the Declaration of Independence, effectively creating the United States of America. These revolutionaries had been fighting a war against the British for more than a year, but on July 4th, 1776 issued a document outlining their grievances with the King and declaring they were independent of the British Empire. While it took seven years for the British to give up their claim on the this particular piece of the Western Hemisphere, the United States of America still celebrates her Independence on the Fourth of July.

American's celebrate their freedom in a variety of ways, but the most common traditions include spending time with family, cooking out, and setting off fireworks. Some communities organize parades or ceremonies to honor military service men and woman. Personally, my favorite part of this holiday is that nearly every city, and sometimes multiple organizations within the same city, plan firework displays for the general public. How will you celebrate the Fourth of July this year?