Independence Day celebrations are usually filled with fireworks, parades and patriotic festivities. So, how did it begin?

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.

Independence Day, observed every year on July 4, often involves cookouts, patriotic parades, ... In March 1931, then-President Herbert Hoover officially made it the country's national anthem.