Unveiling the Truth of July 4th

Facts, Fireworks and the Fourth of July:

We hope your day is full of hot dogs, ice cream and plenty of fireworks! Here are 4 facts all about the 4th of July - perfect for your kiddos!

1. Happy Birthday America… Not so Fast!
The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776. Although most people think of July 4th as America’s birthday some argue for July 2 when Congress voted on the declaration. July 4th is the date the Declaration was completed and printed. The Declaration was originally a formal explanation of why the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. It was meant to justify a revolt against the British, with a list of charges against the British king. The signing signifies

the start of the American Revolution.

2. Two Deaths and an American Baby President:
John Adams, America’s 2nd President and Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration and America’s 3rd president died hours apart on July 4th 1826. Exactly 50 years after America declared independence. Our 5th President, James Monroe died on the 4th of July in 1831. You could say Calvin Coolidge was born to be president; the 30th president was in fact born on July, 4th 1872.

3. Nothing like a Hot Dog or 2 or 62:
Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog eating contest began on July 4th, 1997. Held each year on Independence Day at Nathan's Famous Corporation's original and best-known restaurant in Coney Island, a neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. The contest has gained public attention in recent years due to the stardom of Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut. The current champion is Matt Stonie, who at 62 hot dogs in 2015.
Fun fact: An estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed on July 4th.

4. Why fireworks… Why not?
The use of fireworks to mark America’s independence has been going on since Congress approved it on the first anniversary in 1977.

They were ignited over Philadelphia. The celebration also included bonfires and bells and cannons. Cannons and the use of them in
celebration faded, but fireworks are still shine bright!

In a July 3, 1776 letter to his wife, John Adams declared that the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be a "great anniversary Festival" and "solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

In modern times there are over 14,000 fireworks displays every year. The largest display is the Macy’s Fourth of July Spectacular were over 75,000 lbs of fireworks are set off in a half hour show. Last year it was witnessed by over 2 million spectators. President Adams would be so proud.

Important Dates:
July 2, 1776 - the day the Continental Congress voted to declare independence. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t finished being drafted and printed until the 4th.
July 8, 1776 - The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was rung to honor the first public reading of the

Declaration.
July 4, 1776 - Congress first authorized the use of fireworks in celebrations, a tradition that still stands to this day.
July 4, 1870 - Congress voted to make the 4th a national holiday.
July 4, 1941 - Congress made the 4th of July a federal paid holiday.