America will celebrate her 239th birthday this Saturday, July 4, 2015. But what are some of the interesting highlights of this special day in American's history?  Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, means different things to different people. But what should it really mean to Americans? Who were these brave men? Who did we gain our independence from? Why does it matter?

Today, we'll highlight 5 things that make July 4th such an important day in our nations history. We hope you will pass this on to someone else.

  1. The Declaration of Independence - On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress, made up of patriots, farmers, ministers, lawyers, scientists and revolutionaries, 56 in all, approved what is known as the most important document known to man. They declared their independence from England on July 2, 1776.
  2. The First Independence Day was celebrated on July 8, 1776 and actually signed on August 2, 1776.
  3. The White House didn't officially celebrate Independence Day, until 1802 under President Thomas Jefferson.
  4. Officially was name a holiday in 1870, 94 years after the document was written.
  5. Independence Hall - This was originally called the Pennsylvania House, but changed to Independence Hall after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Share this with your children and have a wonderful and safe Independence Day weekend!

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