Independence day, better known as 4th of July, is a federal holiday in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4th July, 1776 by the Continental Congress when thirteen colonies became the United States of America and stopped being part of the British Empire. The holiday is usually marked with big parades all over major cities, fireworks and all manner of celebrations. Many use this holiday to reconnect with family and friends by organising parties and different outings.
Happy 4th of July!
1. Independence was gained two days earlier on July 2nd, 1776. The Congress spent the two days debating and revising the Declaration of Independence before its signing.
2. Only a few members of Congress (if any) signed the Declaration of Independence on 4th July. According to historians, most of the signatories did not sign the Declaration until August 2nd, 1776.
3. The first draft by Thomas Jefferson was not in favor of slavery. Even though he owned slaves himself, Thomas Jefferson felt that slavery was against human rights. Delegates who owned slaves were opposed to freeing them and therefore the section did not make it to the final document.
4. over 150 million hotdogs are consumed on this day.
5. Three presidents namely, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe died on this day.
6. Calvin Coolidge Jnr., the 30th president of the United States was born on this day.
7. Philippines and Rwanda also celebrate holidays on July 4th.
8. Most flags and fireworks used on this day were made in China.
9. The National Anthem lyrics were set from an official song for a British club.
The 4th of July weekend is usually a big holiday and most US residents know it just for the big parades and parties. There are more facts to this day than many realise! Happy Independence Day to all Americans and we pray for PEACE!
Here’s some of the most bizarre places you’ve probably never imagined in your wildest dreams! Some of them are certainly jaw dropping.
1. The Gate of Hell, Turkmenistan – Located in the middle of the Karakum desert is a small village named Derweze, an area rich in natural gases in northern Turkmenistan. It is also the place of the so-called Doors or Gates of Hell, a crater that burns like a torch day and night and whose flames can easily be seen from miles away. It’s not a creation of the nature, but an accident caused by people during the mineral exploration. In 1971, the drilling operations have caused a collapse of caverns, leading to the creation of a crater with a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 20 meters. The probe was burned to remove toxic gases, but it burns without interruption ever since.
