Independence Day is like a big, happy birthday party for the United States! A long time ago, on July 4, 1776, some brave leaders wrote a special letter called the Declaration of Independence. This letter said that our country wanted to be free to make its own rules. Every year on this day, we remember how our country began and celebrate being part of a big, wonderful family.
Families and friends celebrate the Fourth of July in many fun ways. You might see a big parade with marching bands and colorful flags waving in the air. Many people have backyard barbecues where they eat yummy food like hot dogs and watermelon. When it gets dark, the sky fills with bright, sparkling fireworks that look like giant glowing flowers!