The event celebrated on the Fourth of July in the United States is Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. The holiday is marked by various festivities, including fireworks, parades, barbecues, and patriotic displays, reflecting the values of freedom and democracy central to American identity. Independence Day serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the founding fathers and the importance of civil rights and liberties in the ongoing American narrative.