What do we really celebrate on the 4th of July?

13 facts about the 4th of July

2017 marks the 241st anniversary of U.S. independence, and while American history is always exciting, usually the most intrigue is in the details. That is why we have gathered these 13 little-known facts about the 4th of July!

1. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, PA.
2. The 4th of July became a federal holiday in 1870. The 4th of July became a paid holiday in 1938.
3. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence when he was 33 years old.
4. The Declaration of Independence was first adopted on July 2, and then revised on July 4, 1776.

A 15-Star/15-Stripe full size replica "Star-Spangled Banner" flag is flown during a fireworks display over Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine. Click the image to shop LIBERTY FLAGS' American flags and flag accessories.

5. Three U.S. Presidents have died on July 4. Adams and Jefferson both died in 1826. Monroe died in 1831.
6. In 1872, Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was born on the 4th of July.
7. There were 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Ben Franklin was the eldest, and John Hancock’s signature is the largest.
8. The Philippines gained full independence from the United States on the 4th of July, 1946.
9. Americans consume 150 million hotdogs on the 4th of July each year!
10. It is estimated that over 74 million Americans cook out for the 4th of July every year — nearly 1/3 of all Americans!
11. In the U.S., over a billion pounds of watermelon, a popular 4th of July treat, are sold annually.
12. Baseball and Apple Pie are all-American 4th of July standards.
13. New York City hosts the nation's largest annual firework display, with 1,800 shells per minute, totaling more than 40,000 explosions during the 25 minute show.

The nation's largest fireworks display

Watch the video below of the annual New York City 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from 2016! This video includes the pre-show performance of the Star Spangled Banner. Fireworks begin at the 1:38 mark.

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Have a great day, from your friends at LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®.