]]> On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly-independent nation was 2.5 million, On July 4, 2010, it was about 309.6 million. Cookout, barbecue or picnic was the celebration of choice for 62.6 percent in 2009 and 61.9 percent in 2010. Fireworks or a community celebration was attended by 42.7 percent in 2009 and 42.4 percent in 2010. In 2009, 11.5 percent attended a parade, with 12.2 percent doing so in 2010. Travel or a vacation was chosen by 11.4 percent in 2009 and 11.7 percent in 2010. Other celebrations involved 11.7 percent in 2009 and 11.2 percent in 2010. In 2009, 12.8 did not celebrate, with 12.2 percent not celebrating in 2010.
]]> On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly-independent nation was 2.5 million, On July 4, 2010, it was about 309.6 million. Cookout, barbecue or picnic was the celebration of choice for 62.6 percent in 2009 and 61.9 percent in 2010. Fireworks or a community celebration was attended by 42.7 percent in 2009 and 42.4 percent in 2010. In 2009, 11.5 percent attended a parade, with 12.2 percent doing so in 2010. Travel or a vacation was chosen by 11.4 percent in 2009 and 11.7 percent in 2010. Other celebrations involved 11.7 percent in 2009 and 11.2 percent in 2010. In 2009, 12.8 did not celebrate, with 12.2 percent not celebrating in 2010.