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!
The very first name that comes across our mind when we thing about silent comedy films is none other than Charlie Chaplin. A timeless actor who made a connect with all the age groups by his antics, an actor who could bring smiles on everyone’s face, also has some stories of his life which remained silent just like his movies were. Born to a poor family in London, his childhood was defined in poverty and hardship. His story of been a famous silent films hero is an extraordinary phenomenal journey of rags to riches.
Here are some unheard, rarely know facts about Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin famously know as Charlie Chaplin.
His first tryst with stage: Charlie’s mother, Hannah Chaplin was a singer and a character comedienne who performed at British music halls. Due to her ill health her career had lot of hindrances. One such occasion when Hannah due to her ill health she couldn’t sing, young Charlie of 5yrs was made to sing impromptu in front of the audience to keep the audience entertained.
Training for silent films: In 1894 at the age of 5 Chaplin met Granville Redmond, a successful landscape artist born in Philadelphia, was deaf from infancy and never in his life learnt to speak. Granville had trained himself in the California School for the Deaf at Berkeley. Charlie had become collector of Granville’s work and became friends. Charlie had learnt from Granville sign language and finger spelling. Chaplin never moved his lips in his silent films and only used gestures and expressions resembling those used by deaf persons. A lot of Charlie’s director gave credit to Granville for influencing his acting skills.
Charlie’s first acting role: Before Charlie became a mainstay actor he worked as a toy maker and polished shoes as he had to support himself. He soon started performing as a dancer in clog dancing troupe at the age of 10, he was very desperate to perform wherever he got an opportunity. This is a true sign of an artist and he was a artist looking for one break which would give him show the world his talent and entertain people. Eventually at the age of 12 he got his first acting break as a pageboy in a stage production of Sherlock Holmes.
Front Cover: Charlie Chaplin was the first actor who was featured on the front cover of TIME magazine for July edition in 1925.
Asteroid Chaplin: 3623 Chaplin (1981 TG2) is a main-belt asteroid discovered on October 4, 1981 is named in Chaplin’s honour by Karachkina, L. G. at Nauchnyjw who discovered it.
Look-a-like Charlie: He participated in a look-a-like contest on himself, despite his popularity and dressed in his famous style he lost to others and stood 20th in the contest.
Casanova Charlie: It is believed the Chaplin once confessed of having sexual relationships with more than 2,000 women. He had 4 wives and 11 kids.
Charlie’s coffin robbed: After his death, his coffin in which his body was buried was robbed by the thieves and demanded 60,000 Swiss francs for its return. Though, 11 weeks after the robbery the thieves were caught and the coffin was found buried.
