Afghanistan, July 3 -- The United States is marking the 250th anniversary of its independence this weekend, with official ceremonies, public exhibitions, fireworks, naturalization events and large-scale civic celebrations planned across the country.
The anniversary commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the American colonies declared separation from Great Britain. Although the actual Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, the federal holiday is being observed on Friday, July 3, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
The milestone, widely known as America's semiquincentennial, has been coordinated through several federal, state and civic initiatives. America250, a bipartisan n...