After so many 4th of July celebrations over the years I thought I’d do a little research about it. I was curious, do I remember what this holiday is actually about?
Here’s a few things I discovered...
King George III issued a proclamation of Rebellion in August of 1775 and denounced the promoters of a desperate conspiracy to brainwash his people of America. The Second Continental Congress sent King George an Olive Branch Petition asking him to reverse his policies on July 8, 1775.
Independence Day, the 4th of July, commemorates our declared independence from Great Britain. The Second Continental Congress declared independence on July 2, 1776. A committee of Five with Thomas Jefferson the key contributor had begun work on the declaration document about a year before. After the July 2nd vote it was debated, revised, and approved July 4, 1776.
The Revolutionary War was April 19, 1775 - September 3, 1783.
George Washington gave his troops a double ration of rum on July 4, 1778.
Independence Day is not a celebration (per say) that we won the Revolutionary War. It’s a celebration we declared our independence and our founders did their due diligence to accomplish it in a respectful and legal way.
The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration, since 1785, is held every year in Bristol, Rhode Island. The tradition of 13 gunshots fired was also started here in Bristol on the 4th of July in 1777 with 13 shots fired in the morning, then 13 shots fired that evening.
In 2013 the annual fireworks industry revenue was reported to be $940 million.
Most (consumer) fireworks are made in China. The only American made fireworks are Black Cat Fireworks, and Diamond Sparklers.
Estimated injuries from fireworks are 74% male, 26% female and 40% of all injuries are to kids 14 years old or younger.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only 2 signers of the Declaration that got elected President. They both died on the same day, July 4, 1826. James Monroe, a founding father, did not sign the declaration, but he was president and died on July 4, 1831. Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President, was born on the 4th of July in 1872.
When we were kids the 4th was less about fireworks and more about a 4th of July parade and being at a picnic at the park, lake or river and spending the day outdoors with neighbors, friends, and family swimming and playing baseball and having an endless supply of awesome eats all day long with live music. I remember it was important that we wait at least 30 minutes after we ate to go back in the water so we wouldn’t get the bends!
This will be one of the driest 4th of July holidays I can remember on the westside of the Cascades for at least 2 decades. Though fireworks are banned within the city limits of Renton, along with several other cities in King County including Seattle, I pray you locals with a very independent exuberance for the patriotic celebration don’t forget it is also ‘our’ independence. Please don’t blow sh*t up everywhere like you tend to do every year and notice driving along the roads this year, they’re mostly lined with tall really super dry grass.
Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday weekend everyone. Be safe (if not sane) and enjoy.
Happy Birthday America!
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