We all know that the 4th of July marks the independence of America. The entire country turns to a state of celebration, and there are parades all around. Many of us, however, do not know some of the significant facts about independence and what led to it. Here, we will revive some of those facts that every American must know about his/her country.
Facts you must know about July 4:
Find out some of the least known aspects of American independence:
Declaration wasn’t signed on 4th of July
The famous photograph where the Founding Father and Continental Congress came together to present the first draft of the declaration of independence didn’t happen on the 4th of July. The date was marked so as the announcement was documented on that day.
The first celebration
After a lot of frustration and domination, Americans were finally free after independence in 1776. Army men, along with fellow civilians, tore down the statue of King George III in Bowling Green section of Manhattan. The King’s coat of arms was burnt at a bonfire in Savannah, and so was many of his effigy across the country.
From the following year, the celebration of American independence became much like how it is today. The 4th of July fireworks show that we have all across the country dates back to 1777. From ringing bells to illuminated cities, this day became a grand day to celebrate ever since.
The tradition of eating salmon
Most of us know the significance of eating salmon on Independence Day. But did you know the tradition originated from New England? It so happened that during mid-summer, salmon was found in bounty and they became a common sight on the table. The timespan merged with the special day, and now people make it a point to have salmon on that day.
To have salmon traditionally on July 4, you need to pair it up with green peas. If you want more authenticity, pair it up with turtle soup.
Massachusetts was first to declare it as holiday
On July 3, 1781, Massachusetts recognized the 4thas an official holiday. It was the first state to give it a public holiday, but it wasn’t until June 28, 1870, that the Congress decided to make it a federal holiday.
After this addition, every calendar recorded four major holidays across the year. They were New Year’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day. Every federal employee has an off on these days, and they are public holidays too.
Initially, the holiday was only limited for District of Columbia and took years for the new legislation to expand it all federal employees.
The oldest festival happens in Bristol
Eighty-five years before the 4th of July was recognized as a federal holiday, this place in Rhode Island had begun to celebrate what it is today. It happens to be the coldest place in America that celebrates this day.
The festivities in this region began two years since the Revolutionary War ended. This year, they will celebrate for the 234th time since 1785. With time, the celebration has gone beyond Independence Day. Bristol now starts their festivities from Flag Day (June 14) and host parades for the next two weeks.
The celebration of July 4, was initially a patriotic and religious affair. Today, it has become a grand event that includes parades, feasts, live music, and more.
Shortest parade of Aptos
The parade at Aptos is the shortest of all across the States. While the one at Bristol is usually around 2.3 miles long, the one at Aptos is just half a mile long. It takes up two city blocks, but there is nothing less in terms of patriotism or celebration.
The parade features antique cards, several walkers, and decorated trucks. Afterward, there is a lavish party in the Park, where people perform live folk music, feast, and play games.
More than 15,000 fireworks are celebrated
Reports from American Pyrotechnics Association state that there are over 15,000 fireworks lit on the Independence Day. The amount spent on such fireworks vary, but a small town spends an average of $8000-$15,000, while bigger cities spend more than a million. For example, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular costs around $2.5 million.
You can’t ignore the hot dogs
The natives consume about 150 million hot dogs on this day. You’d find every event selling hot dogs and salmon dishes on this day. It has become a tradition, and people tend to follow it religiously.
There are even hot dog competitions to see who can eat how many at one go. Joey Chestnut was famous for winning Nathan’s eating challenge for nine times in a row in 2016. He had 70 hot dogs in that year and won the title.
Billions are spent on food
Americans spend a lot on food and drinks on July 4. More than $7 billion is spent on food as per the National Retail Federation. These include food eaten at restaurants along with cookout expenses. Many people indulge in activities like outdoor barbeque, picnic, and outdoor cookout on this day.
A lot of money is also spent on booze. As per the Beer Institute, Americans spend about $1 billion on beer and $450 million on wine on this day to celebrate the day.
Three presidents died, and one was born on this day
The fact that both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on this day in 1826 is known to most of us. But they’re not the only presidents to have breathed their last on this day. James Monroe, the 5th president of the nation, had also died on the same day in the year 1831. On the other hand, Calvin Coolidge, the nation’s 30th Commander-in-chief, was born on this day in 1872.
Final thoughts
The facts above give us more reasons to celebrate this occasion. It is time you plan where you’d watch beautiful fireworks, watch the parades, and dine out on 4th of July, 2019.
