US Celebrates 235th Independence Day

The USS Fitzgerald flies the battle ensign as she steams into Sydney Harbour, on American Independence Day, Sydney Australia, 04 July 2011. Photo by BGNES

Monday marks the Independence Day in the US, a federal holyday of the country, which celebrates its 235th birthday.

Independence day honors the signing of the Declaration of Independence. "We...solemnly Publish and Declare, that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States," the historical document says.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted these words, and a new nation was born with the promise to secure the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for each and every one of its citizens. "In order to form a more perfect Union...and secure the blessings of liberty," for itself and its posterity, and to fulfill that promise, the United States of America established a government of democracy.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States