As we take time to celebrate the birth of this great nation, also take time to reflect on the meaning of this annual commemoration of strength, courage and faith of our founding fathers in pursuit of liberty.

 

Last evening I watched a documentary about the life of John Adams.  Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were instrumental in the creation of the Declaration of Independence, and in 1776 were also future presidents of the United States.  Interestingly enough, both men died within hours of each other, exactly 50 years to the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.

 

Because of our forefathers, we are able to live today in joy, celebration and happiness.

Here are a few facts about July 4th:

 

(1) Although, Independence Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it was not declared a legal holiday until 1941.

(2) George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence.  Washington was already in New York commanding troops when the Declaration was signed and adopted.

(3) During the Revolutionary War, things were going badly, that without French help, we would have lost the war and there would be no America.  France provided a navy, troops and 90 percent of the gunpowder the Patriots used.

(4) It was during the War of 1812 that Uncle Sam first appeared on the scene.  He appeared on supply containers.  But our U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.

(5) There has been more than one Liberty Bell.  The first two versions were defective and were melted down and recast.  Our present version rang every Fourth of July from 1778 to 1835, when it cracked as it was being tolled to mark the death of a Chief Justice.

 



Real Living Great West Real Estate
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http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

 

 

 
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26 Comments on A Little Trivia About the 4th of July

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JUL
04
1,445,292 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks for the history lesson.  I will re-blog your post.

Have a wonderful day as we celebrate Independence Day.  Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments that you will want to share.
8:08am • #7
477,835 Points 35 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I didn't realize the 4th of July didn't become a holiday until so recently. Good stuff.

Have a wonderful 4th of July.
8:14am • #8
937,923 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Ed - There was just one president born on July 4th.  That would be Calvin Coolidge, who was born in Plymouth, Vermont on July 4th 1872.  Only 3 presidents have died on July 4th.  In addition to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe also died on a July 4th.  For some present day July 4th trivia, our current President Obama’s oldest daughter, Malia, is celebrating her 14th birthday today! 

Bruce - Knowing what a history buff you are, I appreciate your kind words.  I hope you and your family have an exceptionally wonderful Independence Day! 

Lisa - I'm so glad you enjoy them!

Roy - Thank you for the reblog!  It is greatly appreciated!  Have a wonderful holiday!
8:43am • #9
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Hello Myrl,

Great facts for our Holiday.  Happy Fourth of July!!!
9:54am • #10
928,985 Points 13 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Myrl,

What a great bit of facts you assembled for us, and I thank you for it.  We wish you a delightful Fourth!  Thanks again for the history lesson. A
10:40am • #11
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Myrl, That is some nice information!  I knew that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same 4th of July, the rest was some nice information to learn!
3:10pm • #12
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Myrl - thanks for the history motivation - just wish some of those folks in Washington would spend a little more time in reading history than trying to "fix" it.  Have a great fourth!
6:20pm • #13
613,202 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Myrl, some little known facts about our US history for sure.  I just heard the other day, that Martha Washington HATED John Adams and badly maligned him when he was the vice president.  I love learning more than the dates of history - but the background and thoughts.  Thank you for sharing. 
7:35pm • #14
JUL
05
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Myrl, I enjoy reading trivia because there's so much more to learn.  It's nice to know the history and how it all happened.  Thank you for sharing!
6:59am • #15
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Myrl, thanks for all of the facts.  I love history, and did learn things I did not know today.  Thank You and I hope your 4th was a really good day for you.
7:42am • #16
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Hi Myrl, I loved the 4th of July trivia lesson. I was not aware of some of the items that you pointed out.  Hope you are well.
11:25am • #17
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fairfax county real estate agents Jan and Steve Bachman

Those French...there not so bad after all eh?
11:48am • #18
937,923 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jan and Steve - I remember when many Americans were bashing the French because they wouldn't back us in forming a coalition to go into Iraq (Afterall, Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and the WMD failed to materialize).  Anytime someone said something about it, my response was, "If it hadn't been for the French, we would have lost the Revolutionary War, and everyting else would be a moot point."  There is a historical account, documenting the fact America was close to losing the war, when George Washington spotted the French coming up the Potomac to help against the British.  Elated, Washington lept into the air.  Of course we are friends with the British once again today, and we were allies in the early Iraq war days.  As they say, time wounds no heals:-)
2:15pm • #19
JUL
06
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Good morning Myrl - I love AR because I learn SO much (real estate and other) from the people here, and this post is a great example of that! Thanks for posting!
6:03am • #20
498,639 Points 150 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Myrl:  Great lessons provided here!  And I too found it interesting about the mercurial and long-lasting relationship between Jefferson and Adams.  Each worried about dying before the other too ... amazing.  Can you imagine those two minds battling things out??  We sure could use them now, don't we??

Gene
9:27am • #21
JUL
07
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Thanks for the July 4th trivia, Myrl.  I bet a lot of people are not aware of all this.  I certainly wasn't.
4:25am • #22
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Hi Myrl, sorry to get here late...but a history lesson is good anytime. Hope you had a fun and safe 4th of July.
1:26pm • #23
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Jefferson and Washington were of course from Virginia as were 6 other presidents and 6 president's wives. The Pentagon is in VA...not DC and is the worlds largest office building with 68,000 miles of phone wires. ....and of course there is so much more....:-)
1:55pm • #24
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Myrl,

This is interesting trivia that was quite surprising. I did know the first answer, but the rest was news to me!

1941 was a good year. I have to wonder what the American people were thinking and what they were feeling when President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation over radio and proclaimed the holiday as a beacon for the world in its fight for freedom, unbeknownst to anyone, including the President, that months later, on December 7, Pearl Harbor would be bombed and the nation would be at war.

The thought of it all, just gives me the chills thinking about it.

I had no idea that George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence. I would have guessed, he'd want his name on that document!

We should all give a toast to the French when we celebrate the Fourth of July, obviously, if it wasn't for the French, there's be no celebration! That was surprising information!

I am shocked to know Congress didn't adopt Uncle Sam until 1961 - to think I was alive at that time and I don't remember and I don't think I ever knew that. Thankfully, the government did something right!

I vaguely remember something about that Liberty Bell, but oh dear me, if I was tested, I'm afraid I would do very well.

Thanks Myrl for the enlightenment. This is factual information that I'm sure other countries know about, and it's a great lesson for all of us to know.

 

 

 

 

 
2:06pm • #25
JUL
08
408,368 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Myrl,

         I just had to read this! I did not know that Jefferson and Washington died the same day. I love history just did not know this little trivia fact. I hope you had a great 4th! I knew I like the French inpsite of themselves I guess we paid them back entering the war without us France would not be France just ask the people in Normandy they love Americans!
11:08am • #26

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