What day is Independence Day 2013?

What day of the week does Independence Day 2013 fall on? Here is a chart of the exact dates for 2013, 2014, and 2015.

This most important American national holiday is traditionally observed with parades, band concerts, picnics, and fireworks. To plan your big events, here is a chart with the day most Americans have off work. (If the holiday falls toward the end of the week, you may have more than one day off!)

Read more to learn about Independence Day history, how you can fly your flag high in celebration, and how to cook up some delicious Fourth of July recipes for those Fourth of July festivities—from picnic and barbecue recipes to patriotic desserts!

Independence Day Dates

Independence Day History

The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by delegates from the 13 colonies in 1776.  Writing in July 1776 from Philadelphia, John Adams related to his wife, Abigail: "Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony 'that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States might rightfully do...' This . . . Day . . . will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. . . . It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

Don't forget to raise the flag! Check out these official American Flag Guidelines on how you can properly and proudly display your flag.