The Fourth of July is on Wednesday and the United States of America will turn 242 years old! Across our nation, people will be experiencing a slice of America by celebrating with fireworks, parades, barbeques and other festivities We’ve compiled some fun facts about Independence Day that you can use to impress your friends while watching fireworks and celebrating America’s birthday.
Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 – John Hancock and Charles Thompson. At 27, Thomas Lynch, Jr., was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence; Ben Franklin, age 70, was the oldest signer.
The Declaration of Independence was started on July 2nd as a letter to King George to explain why the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. The Continental Congress approved the final wording on July 4th.
Thomas Jefferson was the author of the majority of the document. He changed the wording of the Declaration of Independence from “the pursuit of property” to “the pursuit of happiness.
The Declaration of Independence began as a letter to King George to explain why the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.
Almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, in 1870, July 4 was made an official holiday by Congress.
According to census.gov, 2.5 million people celebrated the first Independence Day, compared to 316.2 million people today.
Americans began observing the Fourth of July as early as 1777 with a celebration in Philadelphia that included a parade, a thirteen-shot cannon salute, and fireworks.
Fireworks are a major part of the celebrations because the first Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1777, saw Americans gathering to watch as the sky illuminated to celebrate the new nation.
The White House celebrated Independence Day for the first time in 1801.
Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped – although not actually rung – 13 times in honour of the original 13 American colonies.
The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.
Whether you’re boating, going to a parade or just flying the flag, we would like to wish all of you a happy and safe 4th July celebration!
