In the United States, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth Of July, is a federal holiday to commemorate the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776. This holiday is often accompanied by parades, outdoor festivals, and many public ceremonies. Since 1777, fireworks have been set off to celebrate the holiday. Independence Day is greeted with patriotic expressions. Many politicians often give speeches praising the heritage and people of the United States. Families often have outdoor parties, often gathering with distant relatives, because they have more weekends off. Parades are held on the morning of the 4th, and in the evening there are often spectacular fireworks. During the holiday, many families hang the American flag in front of their house to celebrate.
Join Viking Sons Of Odin to learn more 10 interesting facts about the US Independence Day Fourth Of July through this article!
- According to historian Kenneth C. Davis, July 2 is really the right day to celebrate America’s independence. Mr. Davis said the fact that President John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail on 3rd, that July 2nd “will go down in history”. However, it was not until July 4 that the US Congress approved Thomas Jefferson’s statement, recognizing the vote two days ago. Therefore, according to him, America’s independence day is actually July 2.
- American history records 3 of the first 5 US presidents died on Independence Day. John Adams, the second president, and Thomas Jefferson, the third, were rivals throughout their political careers but died within hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of Independence. After that, James Monroe, the 5th president also died on the 55th anniversary of the American Independence Day.
- July 4 is also the liberation day of the Philippines and Rwanda. For the Philippines, July 4, also known as “Republic Day”, marks the time when the US officially recognized the Philippines as an independent country in 1946. June 12 is officially the national day of the Philippines. However, the date of July 4 is still of great historical significance to this country. Meanwhile, July 4, 1994 was the end of the genocide in Rwanda and also the time when a new government was formed.
- Americans started celebrating independence in 1977. The first major celebrations took place in the city in Philadelphia, opening with a parade, 13 fireworks to celebrate and a fireworks festival. However, it was not until 1870 that the US Congress officially recognized July 4 as an independence holiday.
- Independence Day also coincides with the birthdays of many celebrities such as Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, Nobel Prize-winning economist Gerard Debreu, Olympic champion Pam Shriver or President Barack Obama’s eldest daughter.
- July 4th is also the biggest sausage festival of the year. According to Time magazine, Americans consume about 155 million hot dogs on Independence Day. However, no one knows for sure why hot dogs are present in the US. According to the National Sausage Association, sausages were most likely brought to America by Europeans during migrations. The first sausages are said to have appeared in North America.
- In addition to hot dogs, fries and baked goods, Americans also prepare many other unique dishes to celebrate independence, including turtle soup. According to legend, July 4, 1776 , former president John Adams and his wife celebrated independence with the main course of turtle soup, braised salmon with egg sauce, green beans and boiled potatoes. They also put on the table Indian pudding and apple pie.
- According to the US Census Bureau, Pennsylvania – where the Declaration of Independence was discussed and signed – has 11 places with the word “freedom” in the name. In addition, there are 33 other places with the word “solidarity”. As a result, statisticians conclude that Pennsylvania is the most “patriotic” of the states. According to the Patriot office, in Pennsylvania there is also a town called Patriot with a population of about 209.
- In a letter to his daughter Sarah Bache in 1784, US President Bejamin Franklin wrote that he was not pleased that the bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol. “Eagle is a bad bird. It never lives honestly. You can see it standing on dead trees in the river. It is too lazy to catch fish by itself, but waits for others to fish and then That’s a robbery,” he wrote. According to him, the turkey is a much more respectable bird. “Turkey is the true nature of the American people. It is always indifferent, a bit silly and useless, but is a very brave bird. It does not hesitate to attack British soldiers who dare to invade. his ranch in a red uniform,” Franklin described.
- Due to a large crack in the body, the Liberty Bell – one of the symbols of America – has not been rung since 1846. On July 4, people only dared to tap 13 times on the bell. more than $3,000 worth of bells and use it as a sign to inform other bells around the country.