Which document does the United States Semiquincentennial, America250, commemorate?

The United States Semiquincentennial, America250, commemorates the Declaration of Independence.

The document announced that the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent states separated from Great Britain. The Second Continental Congress approved its final text in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, turning a political break into a public declaration explaining the colonies’ reasons.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the initial draft as a member of the Committee of Five. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston also served on that committee and helped review the text. Congress edited Jefferson’s draft before approving it.

A common mix-up is treating July 4 as the moment Congress first voted for independence. The Lee Resolution passed on July 2, while the Declaration was approved two days later. July 4 became the date used for Independence Day because it appears on the document adopted and circulated as the formal declaration.