What does Independence Day commemorate?

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th each year, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This pivotal moment marked the thirteen American colonies' formal assertion of their freedom from British rule. The Declaration, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and emphasized the principles of individual liberty and the idea that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.

The significance of this document is profound, as it laid the foundation for the United States as a sovereign nation and established core values that continue to resonate in American democracy today. The celebration of Independence Day serves to honor this historic event and the ideals of freedom and independence that it represents.