From the far reaches of Alaska to the Gulf coast, Americans on Wednesday will celebrate Independence Day – the 236th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from British rule.

Today, tens of millions of Americans will watch the fireworks show, go to picnics, to outdoor concerts and to gatherings with families all across America.

In Washington, the Annual White House Salute to the MIlitary will be hosted by President Obama, he will be joined there by the USO. There will be a Barbque and the Presidential Marine Band will perform a concert.

Today, the nation celebrates the country’s Declaration of Independence that was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in June of 1776. The Continental Congress signed the new nation’s most cherished symbol of freedom on July 4th of that year

Fireworks won’t be displayed everywhere in the country this year however, the western state of Colorado has banned the display this year because of the dry weather as rampant wildfires rage through that state. A number of other displays were cancelled after the massive storms triggered by triple digit temperatures that swept through the midwest and through the mid-Atlantic areas late last week.

But, Fireworks will light the night skies over hallowed battlefields from the War of 1812 and America’s 19th century Civil War. Similar festivities are slated for Philadelphia (the nation’s first capital), Annapolis, Maryland and New York City.

Alaska’s largest city will host its Annual Parade and celebration. The parade will be downtown and the Delany park is having a pancake breakfast, tons of activities and entertainment for the whole family.Anchorage will finish off its Fourth with its annual fireworks display that never fails to please and awe the crowd.

In Seward, the Annual Mount Marathon race will be run. That race was begun in 1915, it began as a bet between two locals. The race is from downtown to the top of Marathon and back.

There are plenty of parades taking place throughout the state, make it a point to get to downtown wherever you are today and chances are you will find festivities. fun, and a celebration marching through the streets.