Tomorrow is Independence Day also known as the 4th of July, and it's the biggest summer celebration around the U.S.A.!From pool parties, to picnics, bbq's, and fireworks abound in most communities, how much do you really know about this all-American holiday?Check out these facts and trivia to expand your knowledge and impress your friends and family during this holiday season.
Some History
- John Hancock was the only member of the Continental Congress who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, while the rest of the members signed on August 2, 1776.
- This year, America will be celebrating our 242nd Independence Day since the first Fourth of July celebration in 1804.
- July 4th didn't become a federal holiday until 1938, and since then america has made some huge changes.
- Officers of the British army wrote "Yankee Doodle" to make fun of Americans, however, we have come a long way.
- The U.S. spends $600 million annually on fireworks and over 14,000 fireworks are displayed on the 4th of July.
- Why is our flag red, white and blue? White = purity and innocence, Red = hardiness & valor, and Blue = vigilance, perseverance & justice.
Our Noble Bird
"The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent. The eagle represents freedom, power, and strength which is what our nation is built on. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of Nature, he has unlimited freedom, whether with strong pinions he sweeps into the valleys below, or upward into the boundless spaces beyond."[www.baldeagleinfo.com]
Dog Day
According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC) Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. In 1916, the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was held on Coney Island and continues today. The person who eats the most hot dogs and buns within 10 minutes wins prize money and the coveted Mustard Belt.
From everyone at Schmidt Custom Floors,Happy 4th of July!
