The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
- Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826—50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. They’re not the only presidents to have died on the Fourth, though; James Monroe—the nation’s fifth president—died just a few years later on July 4, 1831.
- Though the holiday might seem like it has it out for former presidents, there was one future leader born on Independence Day. The country’s 30th commander-in-chief, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872.
- Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs while celebrating Independence Day. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, that number of dogs can stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times.
- In 2018, Joey Chestnut scarfed down 74 of those franks, breaking his own world record. That year, Chestnut won the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition for the eleventh time. He won again in 2019, noshing on 71 wieners. In 2020, the reigning champ yet again broke his own world record, devouring 76 wieners.
- There were 2.5 million people living in the newly independent US on July 4, 1776. That’s compared to 2021’s population of about 332 million, according to the US Census Bureau.
- Every year on July 4, descendants of the Declaration of Independence signers tap the Liberty Bell 13 times. The tradition was created as a way to honor the original 13 colonies.
- The One World Trade Center in New York was designed to be 1,776 feet tall. One of the most spectacular features of the building is its height, which represents the year America declared independence from Great Britain.
- On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passes the resolution of the first official American flag. It transpired less than a month before the historical 4th of July. “Resolved, that the flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union is thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation,” the resolution stated.
- The U.S. flag has had 27 different official versions.
It is a privilege to live in the United States of America. Bad news is what sells in the press and sure we have some challenges, but the list of advancements and opportunities has never been greater. Take a moment this Independence Day and make a list of things you are thankful for, once you get started, it will be hard to stop. From our team we would wholeheartedly say, “We are thankful to be a valued advisor to your families and businesses!”
Happy 4th of July………
June 2023
