Photograph from last year's fireworks by nschaden on Flickr

We hope all of you have a happy and safe July 4th. Whether you're enjoying tonight's fireworks display or just a quiet day, take a moment to remember why we celebrate the day.

Here's the Library of Congress' site about the Declaration of Independence (you can also read the text here), and the NY Times has an editorial about the meaning of the day. The Post reprints verses by Ralph Valdo Emerson, Walt Whitman and Henry Holcomb Bennett. WCBS 2 offers details about The Star-Spangled Banner and Newsweek looks at how the 1812 overture--often used in fireworks celebrations--is actually a Russian piece of music.

And if you want to share photos you've taken during your July 4th, you can tag them "gothamist" on Flickr or email them to photos(at)gothamist(dot)com.