Across the United States, Americans are celebrating this country's Independence Day Monday. People in cities and towns across America are taking part in patriotic rallies, parades and other events celebrating the anniversary.
The July 4th holiday also is a time for relaxation, and millions of people will enjoy picnics, sporting events or other holiday activities. Fireworks displays are a traditional feature of American Independence Day festivities.
President Bush will be speaking shortly at a Fourth of July event in the U.S. state of West Virginia.
Here in Washington, the celebrations begin with a parade in the heart of the capital, featuring marching bands from all over the country. In the evening, there will be a nationally-televised concert and one of the country's largest fireworks displays.
The holiday commemorates the birth of the United States 229 years ago -- on July 4, 1776, when members of the Continental Congress -- lawmakers from the 13 original American colonies -- declared independence from Britain.
