Hilary Wiggins distributes small American flags before start of Boston Pops rehearsal in Boston, Mass., 03 Jul 2008

Americans across the United States are preparing for celebrations Friday, marking Independence Day, which commemorates the birth of the country 232 years ago.

On July 4, 1776 delegates from the 13 original American colonies officially declared independence from Britain.

Traditional Independence Day celebrations involve concerts and fireworks displays.

Festivities in Washington, DC, will include a July 4 concert on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building, and one of the country's largest fireworks shows.

President Bush is expected to appear at an Independence Day celebration at Monticello in the southern U.S. state of Virginia. Monticello is the historic home of the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson - one of the so-called "founding fathers" of the country.