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22 June 2021
Facts about "The Fourth of July".
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
The National Anthem of the United States of America is glorious. So is its history of Independence. Previously, America was under British Rule. Then in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the Americans defeated the British in the Thirteen Colonies. Thus gained independence from the British Crown. The United States of America established the first modern constitutional liberal democracy.
Today the 4th of July is celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States. This is to remember the Declaration of Independence of the United States that happened on this day in the year 1776. Although It was declared on 4th July, Congress had voted to declare independence on 2nd July. This article will cover many such facts about America's National Day.
Many Americans celebrate this day with barbecues, parades, fireworks, etc. Some of the early traditions of 4th July were not as they are now. Back in the days, colonists held mock funerals for England's king to show America's victory over British rule. In 1870, Congress declared this day a federal holiday but in the 18th and 19th century 4th of July was just celebrated annually. In 1941 this day became a paid federal holiday for federal employees.
4th of July was not always a party and celebration. Many tragedies also took place on this day. Three presidents of the United States of America who died on 4th July are Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. It is said that Adams was annoyed that independence day was celebrated on 2nd July. Hence turned down invitations to the celebration all his life. Another tragic incident was in 1850 when president Zachary Taylor died on this day after eating spoilt fruit.
On a lighter note, according to the national hotdog and sausage council, Americans eat 150 million hot dogs on independence day. These hot dogs stretch from LA to DC more than five times. Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. This was in the year 1781. The 4th of July was on top as a holiday for beer sales in the US. In the year 1778, George Washington gave a double ration of rum to celebrate the holiday. The grand tradition of lighting fireworks on July 4 began in the year 1777. The Macy's fireworks show held in New York City uses about $6 million worth of fireworks shells. Whereas small towns typically spend around 8-15 thousand dollars on their fireworks display. According to the American pyrotechnics association around 16000 fireworks, displays take place in the country each year.
President Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4th, 1872. John Hancock has the largest signature on the declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson hosted the first July 4 celebration at the White House in the year 1801. Another interesting fact, One World Trade Center in New York is 1,776 ft. tall. This is to pay tribute and to mark the year in which the declaration of independence happened. Also, new stars and stripes were added to the American flag every July 4, starting in 1818. This was to make the creation of new states. The country’s oldest 4th of July Parade is held in the town of Bristol, Rhode Island. This Parade was started by Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and Veteran of the Revolutionary War. This was in the year 1785. They have it on their official website where they say that the celebration officially starts on June 14 with Flag Day. One can not get through the parade of independence day without hearing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at least twice. It was not the National Anthem until 1931. Although it was written in the year 1812 by Francis Scott Key. It became a National Anthem 88 years after his death. That song was originally referred to as “Defence of Fort M’Henry” with a slightly different ring.
Every 4th of July is a festival to celebrate in America. But as we celebrate we should also be aware of all the foundations on which this great country is based and all the hardships it has faced. It has been 244 years since America got Independence. It has progressed in many aspects and has proved itself to be a superpower. Although the country has seen many ups and downs it still stands high above the most.
