Independence Day , in the U.S., an annual holiday commemorating 
the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the  Declaration of Independence
on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was
not completed until August,  the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted
as the official anniversary  of United State's independence
and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S. 
The holiday was first  observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, 
at which time the Declaration of Independence was  read aloud, 
city bells rang, and bands played.  It was not declared a legal holiday,
however, until 1941.  The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades 
and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns  and cannons
and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a safe 
and sane holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. 
Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

If you'd like to add one or more of my squares to Your quilt, 
 please feel free to do so. 
 You can find them here: 
Flutterby's Friendship Squares

~*~ I would feel honored to add YOUR square to my quilt! ~*~ 
 If you'd like to add your square to the 4th of July Quilt, 
 make it 130 x 130 and send it, along with your URL, to: 
 [email protected]
 Thank You!