“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
It’s Independence Day! Each year on July 4th, Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which officially established the original thirteen American states as a separate entity from the British Parliament. Many Americans celebrate the birthday of the United States by flying the American flag, having cookouts, fireworks, and family gatherings. Sometimes communities will sponsor their own special events like parades, carnivals, and fireworks displays.
This is all pretty common knowledge to us now, but do you know other cool patriotic facts like the bird that Benjamin Franklin preferred over the Bald Eagle for our national bird? Or how many hot dogs Americans will consume today? Read some Independence Day Trivia and find out!
Independence Day Tivia
- Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird, but was outvoted when Thomas Jefferson and John Adams chose the Bald Eagle.
- An estimated 150 million hot dogs will be consumed today!
- The 4th of July was not considered a national holiday until 1941.
- The national anthem is set to the tune of an old English drinking song called To Anacreon in Heaven.
- The first 4th of July party held at the White House was in 1801.
- Oddly, the majority of our patriotic paraphernalia (flags, fireworks, emblems, etc.) are produced in China. Nearly $349 million dollars are is used each year to import the products.