Today, Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day.
On this day in 1776, a new nation was born and called itself the United States of America. Its citizens would be known as “Americans.” The United States was formed after breaking off from England.
The 13 British “colonies” became “states.” These were: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. These 13 original states were represented with white stars on a blue field of the new American flag. Today, there are 50 states, and each state has a star on the flag.
Today all over the United States, people will be going to the beach, having backyard picnics, playing baseball, watching parades, or whatever. And in the evening, millions will be watching stunning fireworks to celebrate their nation’s birthday.
Happy Fourth of July!