When do we celebrate Independence Day?

Why this is the answer

July 4 is the answer, and what it commemorates is the adoption of a document rather than a battle. On that day in 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and Independence Day marks the anniversary. The National Archives transcript of the document still opens with the line "In Congress, July 4, 1776," and its closing paragraph declares the United Colonies free and independent states, released from all allegiance to the British Crown. Thomas Jefferson wrote it as a statement of freedom from unfair treatment by Great Britain. USCIS adds that the Declaration stressed the importance of self-government and went on to inspire many other countries to declare their own freedom. Americans treat the Fourth of July as the nation's birthday, with parades, fireworks, patriotic songs and public readings of the Declaration. The official list gives a single answer, a month and a day, so there is nothing to choose between here. It is tempting to answer with 1776 alone, because that is the number most people memorize, but a year does not tell anyone when the holiday comes around. Habit can also get in the way. If you grew up celebrating a national day on another date, the old date may come out first when you are nervous, so practice saying "July 4" out loud until it is automatic. This question carries an asterisk on the official list. That marks it as one of the questions that applicants who are 65 or older and have been legal permanent residents for 20 years or more may study instead of the full list. To fix the date in memory, picture the Statue of Liberty. The tablet in her left hand bears July 4, 1776, the same date that heads the Declaration.