Today, July 4th, marks the 248th birthday of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, officially separating the 13 original colonies from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.

Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the U.S. since 1870, although celebrations have been taking place since the 18th century. As a federal and state holiday, government offices and courts across the country are closed today, allowing citizens to commemorate the occasion with various festivities.

The Fourth of July holds a special place in American history, symbolizing the nation's birth. It is the sixth federal holiday of the year, with upcoming holidays including Labor Day on September 2nd, Columbus Day on October 14th, Veterans Day on November 11th, Thanksgiving on November 28th, and Christmas on December 25th.

Several entities are affected by the holiday. Federal offices and courts are closed, granting employees a day off to partake in celebrations. State, county, and municipal offices are also closed in observance of Independence Day.

The U.S. Post Office will not run mail services today, as post offices remain closed. However, FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical will continue their operations, ensuring the delivery of urgent packages.

Financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, are closed for the day, as traders and investors join the nation in commemorating Independence Day.

While many businesses, including grocery stores, remain open on July 4th, it is important to note that store hours may vary. Aldi stores, for instance, will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while BJ's Wholesale will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with hours varying by location.

As Americans come together to celebrate Independence Day, they reflect on the historic significance of the day and honor the principles of freedom and democracy that the nation stands for.