Independece Day in the U.S.

Thursday, July 4, is Independence Day in the U.S. It will be celebrated across the country with parades, fireworks, barbecues and more.

One symbol dear to Americans is the eagle, which is the national symbol.

Next month, the U.S. Postal Service will introduce a Folk Art Eagle stamped envelope, continuing a  tradition of depicting eagles on postage that began in the late 19th century.

The stamped envelope features a photograph of a plaque that shows an eagle carrying two American flags and a shield. Made from pinewood by an unknown carver, the plaque is finished with red, white, and blue paint and appears to have its original gilding, according to the Beyond the Perf blog.

It will be a "Forever" stamped envelope. Its postage will always be equal to the value of the First-Class Mail one-ounce rate in effect at the time of use, even if the rate increases after you buy it.

The USPS offers a variety of patriotic stamps, including the Patriotic Star, Liberty Bell, "Freedom, Liberty, Equality and Justice" Flags and more.