http://rightwingnuthouse.com/archives/2007/07/04/liveblogging-the-continental-congress-july-4-1776/ Independence Day , commonly known as the Fourth of July , is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain . Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks , parades, barbecues , carnivals,