I'm curious to read people's opinion on the matter. The Declaration of Independence was ratified July 4th and that remains the traditional celebration day.
However, wouldn't it be more appropriate--albeit perhaps less patriotically rousing--to celebrate US independence on September 3, the date that saw the signing of the Treaty of Paris which included formal recognition by Britain of the US as an independent sovereign?
Thanks to everyone.
Think about it from a contemporary perspective. The treaty was a far off event recognizing something that was already fairly cemented in everyone's minds and news of only reached communities much later. Meanwhile, the Declaration was a big deal and announced in every state, if not every town. Also, it's when America became independent from the American perspective.