Most writers collect weird facts and hope that one day, they can integrate them into a story.  I’m hard to beat in Trivial Pursuit, unless I’m going against Rhonda, then all bets are off.  I’m hoping we’ll climb into the Cash Cab in NYC. 

Since we’re approaching the celebration of our independence, I’ll share some fourth of July trivia.

211 million dollars worth of fireworks are imported into the US each year.  The bulk of that comes from China.  In South Carolina, you can buy fireworks in Wal-Mart!

 On July 4^th 1776 there were 2.5 million people living in the colonies.  Today, we are approaching 300 million in the U.S.  20 million are here illegally.

The Pledge of Allegiance was officially recognized in 1942.

The Liberty Bell acquired its crack on its first ring.  When it was cast, it weighed 2080 pounds.  It was cast 3 separate times, cracking after the first ring and melted down for the next casting.  The final one cracked as well,  and no one liked the tone.  It was hung in the state house while another hung in the Independence Hall steeple.

The completed Declaration of Independence bearing all signatures was on August 2, 1776.  Only two men signed it on July 4^th.

John Hancock wrote his name large so that the King would be able to read it without his spectacles.

There will be an estimated 150 million cookouts on the 4^th of July.  I’ll be at one of them. 

The U. S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned U.S. Naval vessel  (go Navy!)  The newest commissioned ship is the aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush, the final Nimitz class carrier.  Some guys in my neighborhood fly F18’s onto it all the time.

“When in the course of human events…”  are the first words of the Declaration of Independence.  How many thought it was "We the people?"

The British aren't coming, they are here.  More than 5 million residents of the UK visit the US of A.  That’s more than any country, except Japan. 

It’s a felony to shoot our national bird, the bald eagle.  There are only two kinds of eagles in the US.  The bald, and the golden eagle.  The bald eagle only lives in North America.  Ben Franklin wanted our country’s national bird to be a turkey.

Our national flower is the Rose.  I didn’t know that!  Had to look it up.

Independence Day was first observed on July 8^th  1776.  In 1941, Congress declared July 4^th a federal legal holiday.

If our nation’s flag touches the ground, it should be burned.  Its flag etiquette. 

John Adams declared that Independence Day should be celebrated with gusto.

“It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.”

I think we do him proud.

So while you're celebrating living in freedom, thank a military service man or woman.  The Continental Army freed us from tyranny, and around this world, there's a man or woman standing on a line in the dirt, armed and ready to give the ultimate sacrifice so that no harm comes to you and that we all continue to enjoy our freedom.  

Personally I will be in Florida's Gulf coast, being smothered with hugs and kisses from 6 of my nieces and nephews  (out of about 25) and enjoying the chaos.  Surf's up! 

Happy 4^th of July week everyone.  Let freedom ring!

Till August 1st....

AMY