1. Wearing clothing with a replica of the U.S. Flag is a violation of the U.S. Flag code - The U.S. Flag Code states that you are in violation if you sell or display any “article of merchandise . . . upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of [the flag... in order to] advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed.”
2. Fireworks are An American Tradition Dating Back to 1777. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and "Illuminations."
3. On the second anniversary of Independence Day in 1778, American troops were fighting the American Revolutionary War. During this time, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for American soldiers to celebrate the holiday with.
4. The American Pyrotechnic Association expects the country to spend $2.3 billion on fireworks this Fourth of July in 2023.
5. The Declaration of Independence Was Written on a Laptop - Okay, not a modern laptop, but still. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on a writing desk that could fit over one's lap. This device was referred to at the time as a "laptop."
6. The Average Age of The Signers Was 45 Years - Of the 56 signers, the youngest signers, Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, were only 26. However, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest signer at 70 years old.
7. Only Two Men Signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Charles Thompson and the infamous John Hancock were the only two men who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed over the course of the next month.
8. We Didn't Actually Declare Independence on the 4th of July. One of the greatest misconceptions of the 4th of July lies in the name and date. It is widely believed that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before and the “Declaration” was published in papers on July 4.
9. The Designer of the 50-Star Flag Lived in Lancaster, Ohio. Robert G. Heft, who was 16 at the time, Was given an assignment by his history teacher, as Hawaii and Alaska were nearing statehood. He designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag and $2.87 worth of blue cloth and white iron-on material. His design earned him a B-minus to which he challenged by sending it to Washington D.C. to be considered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Once the flag was selected, Heft's grade was rightfully changed to an A. His design became the official flag in 1960.
10. Americans Will Enjoy 150 Million Hot Dogs During the 4th. According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Independence Day!
