In celebration of our Nation’s Independence Day and to remember those who have passed on fighting for our freedom, the following are some fun and interesting historical facts:

• The Fourth of July is the federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the country’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.  On this day, the colonies declared their independence from Great Britian and the king’s rule.
• On the 4th of July, fireworks display across the sky, as Americans of many races all celebrate the important date in American History.  In fact back in 2009, New York City held the biggest fireworks display in the entire United States, firing off a little over 22 tons of pyrotechnics.  Others celebrate the holiday with cookouts and picnics displaying the American flag proudly.
• In 1778, George Washington celebrated the fourth of july by giving his soldiers a double ration of rum and a salute via artillery.
• In 1791, the term “Independence Day” was officially recorded for the first time.
• In 1870, Congress decided to make the fourth of july an unpaid holiday.
• Then in 1938, Congress reinstated the frouth of july as a paid holiday.
• In July 1776, the estimated population living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.
• In July 2010, the United States population is estimated at 309.6 million.
• There are 31 places nationwide with”liberty” in their name – the State of Iowa having the most concentrated amount.
• Potato salad and potato chips are the most popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues.
• 76 million Americans participate in a barbecue during the 4th of July Holiday.

Information gathered at U.S. Census Burea.gov

This entry was posted on Monday, July 5th, 2010 at 11:32 am and is filed under State of the Heart. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.