4th of July Trivia

The 4th of July is always so much fun....picnic, parades, family, and friends!

Here are a few fun facts you may not know:

~~The majority of the nation's flags and patriotic paraphernalia in relation to the 4th of July are produced in China. Nearly $349 million dollars are used each year to import in the flags, banners, decorations, and emblems. (This just doesn't seem right, does it?!)

~~Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird and symbol of America, but was outvoted when John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose the bald eagle. (I wonder how that would have worked for Thanksgiving - we certainly couldn't be eating the national bird!)

~~Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term appeared on supply containers. Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961.

~~Over 150 million hot dogs will be consumed on the 4th. That's roughly 1 dog for every two people in the U.S. (I will gladly give up my hot dog to anyone who wants it!)

~~The words Under God were not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until the year 1954.

~~Contrary to legend, historical research has failed to confirm that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. (I still choose to believe she did.)

~~The 4th of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.


~~The national anthem is actually set to the tune of an old English drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven".

~~More than 74 million Americans will have a picnic or BBQ on the 4th. (And if you live in Minnesota, there will be 74 million mosquitoes joining you!)



I hope everyone has a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
~Nancy Malay