In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. During Americas first 150 years, most of the settlers came from Great Britain. Along Americas Atlantic coast, these colonists built settlements that became what are commonly called the Original Thirteen Colonies. The British settlers lived under the rule of the King of England. The British knew that the colonists wanted independence. But the British, instead, tried to take more control of the colonists. On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee of five men to write a Declaration of Independence. Those five men were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. Following a few more changes, Thomas Jeffersons work was approved. Church bells rang out on July 4th 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the US Nation was officially born. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas would be expressed again in the new republics Constitution. These ideas form the basis of the beliefs about the role of our government in the US today. There are many symbols that represent the United States of America. Some of the most popular ones are the Stars and Stripes (the US flag), the Great Seal of the USA, the national anthem, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty (a gift from France), the Independence Hall and many others. The word patriotism comes from the Latin patria, which means homeland or fatherland. The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in Strangely, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were on the committee of 5 men who wrote the Declaration of Independence, died on Independence Day July 4th 1826. Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games. Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot. Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.