Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

We celebrate on July 4, the date in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. Th Declaration of Independence, started the 13 colonies on the road to freedom. It wasn’t signed by most of the delegates until Aug. 2. And it didn’t become a legal federal holiday until 1941. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked with red, white and blue flags, fireworks, parades and backyard barbecues across the country.