4th of July is almost here and it is time to celebrate! We are already familiar with the fireworks, parades, barbecue and festivities, but we thought it would be appropriate to share some interesting facts about this historic day.

1. Congress made Independence Day an official unpaid holiday in 1870. It was only in 1938 that Congress changed it to a paid federal holiday.

2. The first Independence Day celebration happened in Philadelphia on July 8th, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was first read in public, after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

3. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence served as President of the United Sates: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

4. The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.

5. The White House held its first 4th of July party in 1801.

6. Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird, but it was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.

7. Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on 4th of July.

8. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies. Only John Hancock and his secretary actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All the others signed later.

9. One out of eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard (7 total).

10. Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.

From everyone here at PTIGlobal, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Source:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html
http://interviewangel.com/17-fun-facts-about-the-fourth-of-july/
http://www.colonialmusic.org/Resource/Anacreon.htm