Happy Birthday America!
Fourth of July Facts
On the birthday of our nation’s independence, we thought we’d share some fun facts about the Fourth of July!
- Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal but was outvoted when John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose the bald eagle.
- The first Fourth of July party held at the White House was in 1801.
- The words “under God” were not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until the year 1954.
- The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.
- An estimated $211 million has been spent importing fireworks to the U.S. from China.
- The Fourth of July ranks as the deadliest holiday of the year. We wonder if that has anything to do with above fact.
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56 men signed the Declaration including two future presidents, three vice presidents, and ten members of the United States Congress.
God Bless America!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
