It seems that when holidays come around each year many people tend to forget the true meaning behind them. Christmas isn’t just about gifts, Easter isn’t about hunting for eggs in the backyard and the Fourth of July isn’t just about fireworks and BBQ’s.

July 4th, also known as Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. However, the traditions date back all the way to the 18^th century around the time of the American Revolution. It is a day to celebrate our independence as a nation. Of course, the camping trips and parties are great too.

In June 1776 representatives from the 13 colonies were struggling to gain independence from Great Britain.  And on July 2^nd the continental congress voted in favor of their independence. Only two days later, on July 4^th the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

The day is a special day in history that not only gave the United States its independence, but it is what shaped our nation into what it is today, and that is something to be celebrated.