Today in the United States we celebrate our nation’s independence day, otherwise known as July 4^th. “On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event,” says Military.com. “Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." Some fun 4^th of July facts, courtesy of USA.gov: The number of signers to the Declaration of Independence is 56. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document. $100 billion dollar value of trade in 2013 between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our seventh-leading trading partner today. Fifty-nine places contain the word "liberty" in the name. Pennsylvania, with 11, has more of these places than any other state. Of the 59 places, four are counties: Liberty County, Ga. (64,135), Liberty County, Fla. (8,349), Liberty County, Mont. (2,369) and Liberty County, Texas (76,907). Symbolically, you can state your own independence on July 4^th as well. Whether that consists of breaking out of a rut, going after that long dreamed about career, getting in shape, starting a new relationship or ending one that has outlived its time or simply tackling a long sought-after goal. Sparkling gemstones, especially rubies, pearls and sapphires (red, white and blue) can also help you to feel refreshed, new and independent. Whether you are attending a barbecue, beach party, family reunion or a simple get together with friends and family, the right jewels can help you to feel as if you’ve stated your own special independence.