So here it is July already. 2019 is just zipping right along isn’t it? We’re already past the longest day of the year and diving head first into those REALLY hot summer days leading up to Fall.
As I sat down to write today’s post, it was with the idea of simply putting in a Happy Birthday America message and leaving it at that. But then I decided that that was the easy way out and that I’d be cheating you out of the sarcastic charm and witty postings you’ve all grown used to and are expecting from me. So, because I’m a giver, and I don’t want to disappoint my loyal subjects fans, I’m giving you more than just a Happy 4th of July post.
So, here we go:
Only John Hancock and Charles Thomson actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. Most of the others didn’t sign until August 2. The Fourth of July is the day the document was formally dated, finalized, and adopted by the Continental Congress, which had officially voted for independence on July 2.
Three US presidents have died on July 4th: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe and interestingly, Adams and Jefferson both died in 1826, the 50th anniversary of the country they helped found. Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.
On July 4th 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.
The July 18, 1777 issue of the Virginia Gazette describes the July 4th celebration in Philadelphia: “The evening was closed with ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with 13 rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.” There were even ships decked out in patriotic colors lining harbors and streamers littering city streets. Modern Independence Day celebrations have stuck pretty close to the traditions started in 1777. Except for maybe that part about everything being conducted with the greatest order and decorum.
Massachusetts recognized the Fourth of July as an official holiday on July 3, 1781, making it the first state to do so. It wasn’t until 90 years later that Congress designated Independence Day as a federal holiday. Leave it to Congress to complicate everything and drag stuff out forever.
Americans consume about 155 million hot dogs on the 4th of July each year. They also spend approximately $92 million on chips, $167.5 million on watermelon, and $341.4 million on beer. Me? I’m holding out for my extra ration of rum.
Well there you have it, all the weird facts you need to know for a fabulous holiday celebration. Go forth and dazzle your friends and family with this historic information this 4th of July. And if you can’t dazzle them with knowledge, raise a cold beer and scarf down a hot dog in honor of our nation’s birthday!!
How do you spend your Independence day? Are you on of the millions spending their hard-earned money on chips and watermelon? What weird 4th of July fact do you wish to share?
Word of the day: Sark
Fun fact about me: Last year the fireworks display in Vicksburg lasted for over an hour. I actually got tired of watching.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, June 2019. Images by Google Images and giphy.com.
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I’ve spent three Fourth of July’s out of the country – it was weird – all in England. It was just another day. We travel to Michigan for the Fourth and I can’t remember the last time we were at home. I can relate to losing interest in the fireworks show, it helps if it is to a musical theme. An hour is a bit long…. have a great day and a fabulous week.
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Thanks Clay. We’ve got lots of stuff happening here at the Inn for the holiday so it’ll be busy, but it’s always lots of fun.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
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Good stuff, Patricia. Love that history!
Additional fact: James Madison, who was gravely ill in 1836, wanted desperately to hold on until July 4th knowing about the 3 Presidents before him dying on that date. Unable to do so, he succumbed on June 28th (my birthday).
Personal note: having lived in Charlottesville, VA for four years, We were able to visit the homes of Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and Washington which were all within a hour and one-half drive. Also visited John Adam’s home when we were in Massachusetts. And Lincoln’s when in Illinois. That’s the first five and arguably the greatest. Quite fascinating to learn more personal infomation about these exceptional men.
Jefferson’s and Monroe’s homes (in Charlottesviille) were less than three miles apart. In the winter, with the leaves gone, they could actually see the top of each others’ domiciles. Of course, it helped that Jefferson’s was on the top of a mountain and Monroe’s was on a hillside.
Yes, I will probably indulge myself with the hot dog/chips orgy this 4th. We’ll be with our son, our daughter and her husband, both granddaughters each with a friend in tow, Patty’s sister and husband and both her son’s and wives. That usually produces its own brand of fireworks.
Have a happy fourth!
Your loyal subject,
Al
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Al, it sounds like you’ll have a “blast” (ha ha) for the holiday. Family can always be interesting. Thanks for sharing your tourist stories. I’ve always wanted to visit that part of the country but have yet to get there. It’s on the proverbial bucket list.
Thanks for visiting today. Have a great holiday!
Patricia
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Another 4th fact: On July 4th, 1976, 200 years after our Declaration of Independence, Israel made a monkey out of Idi Amin by rescuing a planeload of people being held captive in Uganda. It was one of the boldest and most successful raids into a foreign nation in history.
Ten minutes is enough fireworks for me. I don’t need to keep watching for hours on end.
I don’t know which President you are rating a greater than Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, but I personally would rate any of them ahead of this pair. I might concede to putting George Washington on a par with them.
Have a wonderful holiday, Patricia.
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Thanks for adding to the history lesson, David. July 4th has a lot of historical significance doesn’t it?
I’m a lover of fireworks, but I can only crane my neck up that high for about 15 minutes. Unless I’m at Disney World, then I’ll make an exception.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great holiday!
Patricia
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I did not know any of these weird 4th of July facts, so thanks for sharing! Fun fact about me: the Fourth is my favorite holiday, because I don’t have to cook, clean, or buy presents for anyone – also, fireworks! We are going to the not-quite-finished house this year, to see how many of the area’s fireworks displays we can see from our ridge. Hope yours is fun!
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I also love the 4th of July, but I’ve blogged about that in the past. I’m a very patriotic person so this holiday is always fun for me. Especially the fireworks.
I’m very excited about the new house. Can’t wait to see more pictures.
Have a great Independence Day!!
Patricia
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I’ll take rum over hot dogs any day!
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You and me both sister! Here’s to lots of rum this holiday!
Patricia
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