Display of fireworks in New York City as seen over the Hudson River from Hoboken, New Jersey (© Steve Kelley aka mudpig/Getty Images)

【July 4 2014】Founding father John Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be celebrated as a “day of deliverance ... with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.” At least that’s what he wrote to wife, Abigail. Why July 2? That was the day the Second Continental Congress officially rejected British rule and the original 13 colonies joined together to form the United States.Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..