In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of our country's independence and commitment to certain ideas. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Most people can look at a certain little "swoosh" and know that it stands for "Nike." Well, the signers of the Declaration of Independence wanted the citizens of the United States to have a document that spelled out what was important to our leaders and citizens. They wanted us to be able to look at the Declaration of Independence and immediately think of the goals we should always be working for, and about the people who have fought so hard to make these ideas possible.
Thanks so much for humoring me. I have always been a VERY patriotic person, and am proud of the independence we have in this Great USA! I love our flag, and have been known to stand up and place my hand over my heart during the national anthem while watching NASCAR. Here are a few "fun facts" about July 4. Enjoy!
2.5 million
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970 <http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html>
304 million
The nation’s population on this July Fourth.
Source: Population clock <http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html>
Eleven places have "independence" in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri, with 113,288 residents.
Over an estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed today. That's roughly 1 dog for every two people in the U.S
Over $211 million has been spent on the importation of fireworks from China.
The first 4th of July party held at the White House was in 1801.
Have a Great Weekend everybody, and a Very Safe and Happy 4th of July!
~Beth
Posts
1 comment:
When I saw this picture, I HAD to come directly to your blog! Thanks for sharing that wonderful bit of history on this special holiday. Very well done, my friend! That sure put me in the spirit of this holiday, especially since this weather we're having is far from it!! Have a safe and happy 4th!
Post a Comment