Today is the 4th of July or Independence Day, the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Many people display the American flag on their homes.

The celebrations have deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.

In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence.

On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776.

The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776.

Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees.

In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. .

The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.

He described “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and “illuminations” throughout the United States.

However, the term “Independence Day” was not used until 1791.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 – exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.

Celebrations Today in Los Alamos & White Rock

• 8 a.m., Family YMCA Independence Day 5k Family Fun Run
• 10 a.m. Children’s Parade beginning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 366 Grand Canyon in White Rock
• 10 a.m. Police vs. Firefighters Softball Competition at Overlook Park
• 11 a.m. Family YMCA Children’s Parade Downtown
• 11 a.m. Fifteen people will become Americans at a Naturalization Ceremony at Bandelier
• 2 p.m. Festivities begin at Overlook Park – The Los Alamos Community Winds, food and other vendors
• 3 p.m. Atomic City Transit begins pick-up and drop off of riders around White Rock and the Los Alamos townsite
• 3-9:30 p.m., Eddy & The Nomads at Overlook Park
• 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. The Habanero Skydiving Team will fall from the sky

Note: No Fireworks allowed anywhere in Los Alamos County due to EXTREMELY dry conditions