Have a safe 4th of July!
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 12,900 firework-related emergency room visits across the country.
Wearing Old Glory Violates The U.S. Flag Code
How many of you own a flag t-shirt, beach towel, shorts, headband, or any other item that is representative of the U.S. flag? Turns out that you’re in 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.”
That being said, in this instance, the Flag Code is not enforced or even enforceable, so don’t worry – you won’t get arrested by the Flag Police!
Fun Facts
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1.
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.
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2.
Robert G. Heft, who was 16 at the time, 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. According to his obituary, Heft was one of thousands to submit a flag design but he was the only person who actually stitched together a flag and shipped it to D.C. Once the flag was selected, Heft’s grade was rightfully changed to an A. His design became the official flag in 1960.
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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.
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One Signed Later and Recanted the Declaration of Independence.
Richard Stockton, a lawyer from New Jersey, became the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to recant his support of the revolution after being captured by the British in November 1776 and thrown in jail. After years of abusive treatment, and his recanting of loyalties, Stockton was released to find all of his property destroyed or stolen by the British. His library, one of the finest in the colonies, was burned to the ground.
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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.
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Fireworks = An American Tradition Dating Back to 1777
Fireworks date back as a tradition of Independence Day as early as the first anniversary in 1777.
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John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and “Illuminations.” This original letter was written when Adams presumed that Independence Day would be celebrated on July 2.
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Bizarre 50th Anniversary
Thomas Jefferson, 82, and John Adams, 90, both died on July 4, 1826 within five hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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July 4th was not deemed a federal holiday until 1870, nearly 100 years after the nation was founded.