A Day of Recognition, Celebration, and Reflection
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, announced its independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, the formal statement declaring the establishment of the United States of America as a separate and sovereign nation—no longer under the control of Great Britain. Since that day, the nation has celebrated July 4th each year, recognizing it as a defining moment in American history and reflecting on its importance in the nation’s future. This presentation explores the history of this day of independence.