Happy 4th!!

Fourth of July trivia:

1. Why do we light fireworks?
The fireworks resemble war, the muskets and cannon firing of war.

2. What is the symbolism of the flag?
The 50 stars represent the 50 states, The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. 
As for the colors, white signifies purity and innocence, red; hardiness and valour, and blue; vigilance, perseverance, and justice. 

3. New York Yankees' baseball player Dave Righetti threw a No Hitter on July 4, 1983.

4. Congress voted to make July 4 a federal holiday in 1870. In 1941, it was voted to make it a paid holiday for all federal employees.

5. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826. James Monroe died for years later on July 4, 1831.

6. John Hancock was the only person to actually sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 55 signers did not sign it until August 2 or later.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at age 70. The youngest signer was 26-year-old Edward Rutledge. Most of the others were in their 30's and 40's.

7. Thomas Jefferson was the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence, the inspiration behind the July 4th holiday.

8. The British recognized America as a free country in 1783, after the last battle, the Battle of Cuddalore.

9. John Hancock was the president of the Second Continental Congress which declared independence and approved the declaration.

10. 150 million hot dogs will be consumed in the United States over the Fourth of July week-end.