Today in 1776 John Hancock became the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, making July 4^th our nationally celebrated Independence Day. The first Independence Day celebration actually occurred on July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia. The Declaration was read aloud, crowds cheered, city bells rang, and bands took to the streets. In 1941, Independence Day was officially declared a legal holiday. Modern-day Independence Day celebrations include fireworks, family picnics and a general show of patriotism.