Happy Birthday to the USA! Here is what I wrote last year. Amritas reminds us that that is not the only thing that happened on this day. On July 4, 1976 - 200 years after the United States of America achieved independence, Israelis rescued 100 hostages:
1976: Israelis rescue Entebbe hostages
Israeli commandos have rescued 100 hostages, mostly Israelis or Jews, held by pro-Palestinian hijackers at Entebbe airport in Uganda.
At about 0100 local time (2200GMT), Ugandan soldiers and the hijackers were taken completely by surprise when three Hercules transport planes landed after a 2,500-mile trip from Israel.
About 200 elite troops ran out and stormed the airport building.
During a 35-minute battle, 20 Ugandan soldiers and all seven hijackers died along with three hostages.
I was only 13 at the time, but I clearly remember the exhilaration I felt on that day. More here.