In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July or the Fourth, is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—celebrates the birth of American independence from the British Empire. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, July 4, 1776, and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. Americans rejoiced as word spread throughout the newly declared independent states. Learn the history of America's Independence Day, including why we celebrate on July 4. Independence Day: Directed by Roland Emmerich. With Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell. The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive. Discover the origins of Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence, and how Americans celebrate the holiday. Independence Day, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood held on July 4. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. With the other people of the world, they launch a counterattack on July 4— Independence Day in the United States. While promoting Stargate in Europe, Emmerich conceived the film while answering a question about his belief in the existence of alien life. Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. From the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, to picnics, parades, and fireworks, take a patriotic tour through the collections and reflect upon the meaning of freedom, liberty, and equality in our journey to create a more perfect union.