By AT&T
July 4, 2009

Patriotic celebrations with stars and stripes, stunning fireworks shows, and parades will be underway this weekend. Let’s take a moment to remember the importance of this monumental holiday.

Independence Day (also known as the “4th of July”) is a federal holiday celebrating the United States’ independence from Great Britain over 230 years ago.  On July 4, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies were declared sovereign states as justified in the Declaration of Independence  (formally known as “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”).

Today, common Independence Day festivities include parades, barbeques, picnics, libations, and fireworks.  Some of these celebratory and patriotic activities, such as fireworks, have been around for nearly as long as the Declaration of Independence, but they all signify the acknowledgement of the birth of the United States of America as we know it today.  Decked with red, white, and blue decorations and marked by patriotic compositions, families, businesses, schools, and municipalities celebrate this important historical event with gusto.

But how much do you really know about the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution? Try this short quiz to test your knowledge.

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com