10 Fun Independence Day Facts
The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself-always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent, and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity — Jimmy Carter
1. We Didn't Declare Independence on July 4th
One of the greatest misconceptions about the 4th of July is its name and date. It is widely believed that America declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before, and the “Declaration” was published in papers on July 4. 56 men from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. Every 4th of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.
2. We’ve used 27 different official flags in U.S. history
In 1958, a history teacher from Lancaster, OH assigned a class assignment to redesign the national flag with 50 stars as Alaska and Hawaii neared statehood.
Robert G. Heft, who was 16 at the time, designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag and $2.87 worth of blue cloth and white iron-on material. His design earned him a B-minus , which he challenged by sending it to Washington, D.C., to be considered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
According to his obituary, Heft was one of thousands who submitted a flag design, but he was the only person who actually stitched together a flag and shipped it to D.C. Once the flag was selected, Heft's grade was rightfully changed to an A. His design became the official flag in 1960.
3. Bizarre 50th Anniversary
Thomas Jefferson, 82, and John Adams, 90, both died on July 4, 1826, within five hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
4. The Average Age of The Signers Was 45 Years
Of the 56 signers, the youngest were Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who were only 26. However, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest, at 70. The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as Presidents of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
5. Fireworks = An American Tradition Dating Back to 1777
Fireworks date back as a tradition of Independence Day as early as the first anniversary in 1777.
In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote that he wanted Independence Day celebrated with pomp, parades, shows, and "Illuminations." This original letter was written when Adams presumed Independence Day would be celebrated on July 2.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year.
6. Americans Will Enjoy 150 Million Hot Dogs During the 4th
According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. This is part of an estimated 7 billion hot dogs eaten during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
7. Wearing Old Glory Violates The U.S. Flag Code
How many of you own a flag t-shirt, beach towel, shorts, headband, or any other item that is representative of the U.S. flag? Turns out that you're in violation of the U.S. Flag Code.
The U.S. Flag Code states that you are in violation if you sell or display any “article of merchandise . . . upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of [the flag... in order to] advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed.”
That being said, in this instance, the Flag Code is not enforced or even enforceable, so don't worry - you won't get arrested by the Flag Police.
8. A Little Late to the Parade
July 4th was not deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years afterthe nation was founded. The White House held its first 4th July party in 1801. The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the 4th of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island; it began in 1785.
9. A Much Smaller Start
Although an official national census was not completed until 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there were only about 2.5 million people living in America in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
As of 2017, it has grown to become home to 325.7 million people.
10. There is Something Written on the Back of the Declaration of Independence
... and no, it isn't a treasure map written in invisible ink.
According to the History Channel, a simple message is written upside-down across the bottom of the signed document that reads, "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776."
According to the same article, no one knows who wrote this or when, but it was believed to have been added as a label during the years of the Revolutionary War when parchment was frequently rolled up for transport.
Happy 4th of July & God Bless America from CDC Solutions, Inc.
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