The 4th of July is recognized as Independence Day, but according to John Adams, the sovereignty of America should be observed on July 2. The day that the Continental Congress voted to become free from Great Britain.
I guess that they do not celebrate July 4 Independence Day in London...
On that day, John Adams wrote, to his wife Abigail, that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
He was so correct on that aspect of the holiday.
Why is July 4, 1776, the official day? Because 2 days after the vote, the document was adopted and signed by 56 delegates representing the 13 colonies. Finalizing its legitimacy. Among the delegates were famous figures such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock, whose bold signature became synonymous with signing one's name.
Some interesting facts about July 4.
Thomas Jefferson believed that a new Constitution should be re-written every 19 years.
That would be an interesting political debate...
1777, The first 4th of July fireworks show took place in Philadelphia. Fireworks have become an integral part of Independence Day celebrations.
Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks every year.
The Liberty Bell rings 13 times every Independence Day to honor the 13 original states. It is a symbol of American independence and freedom.
Descendants the signers of the Declaration of Independence can go to Philadelphia to tap the bell every year.
George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778 and 1781.
Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe died five years later on July 4, 1831.
1872 Calvin Coolidge was the only president born on the 4th of July.
1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday.
1941, a provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.
Americans eat around 150 million hot dogs each Independence Day
Starting in 1916, the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is held at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. Contestants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs and buns in a given time.
World Champion Joey Chestnut currently holds the title of hot dog-eating after eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2021.
Now go at eat some Hot Dogs and enjoy the sunshine.
