Independence Day traditions and forgotten facts

The Fourth of July celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, though independence was not declared on that exact date.
Many founding fathers and signers of the Declaration of Independence are now obscure figures.
Fireworks have been an integral part of Fourth of July celebrations since the first Independence Day.
The Declaration of Independence and other founding documents were secretly hidden during World War II.
The oldest annual Fourth of July parade takes place in Rhode Island, the smallest state.