<P> Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 . The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire . The Congress actually voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2 . </P> <P> Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States . Independence Day is the National Day of the United States . </P> <P> During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain rule . After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author . Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4 . A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail: </P> <P> The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America . I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival . It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more . </P>

When did the us gain independence from great britain
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