Happy Birthday, America!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” — The preamble to the Declaration of Independence

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring America’s freedom from Great Britain and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.

John Adams correctly predicted that the signing would be “celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival” that, “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

He was exactly right, as many Americans celebrate this holiday with parades, BBQs, picnics and fireworks. So bust out the red, white and blue, and fly your flag proudly today.

Wishing you a fun-filled Fourth of July!