The United States Congress formally adopted the final text of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On that day, after several days of revision and debate, the Declaration was approved and agreed upon by the Continental Congress, marking the official declaration of independence from Britain. The finalized text had significant edits, including the removal of some passages, such as those condemning the slave trade. Though July 4 is the date when the Declaration was officially adopted, most of the delegates actually signed the formal parchment copy later, primarily on August 2, 1776. The adoption on July 4th is the date recognized and celebrated as Independence Day in the United States.