"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." --George Santayana
Rumors are swirling that with the addition of Juneteenth, Dems want to get rid of the 4th of July. I’m sure they do. Anything related to patriotism, service, loyalty and honor appear to disturb them. While history says that the 4th isn’t actually the day we became a nation, it has historical relevance and importance. There are never too many days to remember the sheer audacity of the Revolution, a battle that many never thought we could win.
If we had lost the war that ensued, the most probable outcome, those involved would have been hanged for treason. And yet, men of all races (yes, Blacks too), came together wielding what weapons they could find, and won against the British. As Americans, this marks our first war outing, and the creation of the first group of American veterans.
As such, this holiday is meaningful to all those who celebrate the greatness of our country, its unique Constitution and the men who fought and died to create it. It should never be subject to a question of whether or not it should be a national holiday.
People celebrate it in their own way, but look below to learn some facts about our national birthday that you might not have known before (thank you, Tim Brunicardi). Something to ponder while you barbecue, drink and set off a few fireworks.
Facts About Our Holiday
1. The actual declaration was made on July 2nd, but the announcement wasn’t published until July 4th.
2. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration on a writing desk that he could hold in his lap, i.e., the first recorded use of a “laptop.” The term was actually used at the time.
3. In 1958, history teacher asked a class to redesign the flag, prior to HI and AK achieving statehood. Robert Heft, a student, used the old flag and $2.87 worth of blue cloth and iron-on material. He got a B-minus from the teacher, but sent it to President Eisenhower. Though many had suggestions, he was the only one to actually make a flag. Heft’s grade was logically changed to an “A” after his design became official.
4. We will eat at least 150MM hotdogs on the 4th. (You’ll have to make up for me, though, as I probably won’t)
5. Only two men signed the Declaration on the 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thompson. The other 54 signed it over the course of the month.
6. Yes, there is a secret message on the back of the original Declaration, but it isn’t a treasure map. It says “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” This was to mark its historical relevance as it was frequently transported as a rolled-up parchment.
7. Richard Stockton, a NJ lawyer, recanted his support of his signature. The British capture him later that year. He was subjected to horrendous treatment and when released, found his property destroyed or stolen by the British.
8. Given our aging statesmen/women in DC, it is surprising to learn that the average ate of the signers was 45. Benjamin Franklin was 70 at the time, by far the oldest.
9. While only 10% of the fireworks you may see are professional, the total cost of ALL fireworks for this day comes in at $1BB. We began to set them off as early as 1777. John Adams wrote to his wife suggesting the holiday should be celebrated with” pomp, parade, shows and illuminations.”
10. On the 2nd anniversary of the 4th in 1778, troops were fighting the war; Washington made sure they got a double ration of rum to celebrate the holiday.
11. When the Declaration was signed, there were only about 2.5MM people living in America.
12. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826 within five hours of each other, on the 50th anniversary of the signing.
13. July 4th only became a national holiday in 1870, a long time to wait for those hotdogs, right?
It’s easy to forget the sacrifices and risks people took to create this country. Even if you object to some aspects of how America works, ask yourself this – where would you prefer to live? Not some Edenic ideal of your own design. Which country would you rather live in? As our too-open borders show us, most of the world would rather live here.
And what does that say about our Constitution, our system of laissez-faire capitalism and rule by the people? Never forget the fortune of being born here.
There was a time learning our history and studying the foundations of this country would have been required in schools. I don’t know that it is any longer. All the sacrifices and commitment just being set aside, or worse, rebuked. Shameful isn’t a strong enough word.