- One of the greatest misconceptions of the 4th of July lies in the name and date. It is widely believed that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before and the “Declaration” was published in papers on July 4.
- According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council, Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. This is part of an estimated 7 billion that are expected to be eaten during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Thomas Jefferson, 82, and John Adams, 90, both died on July 4, 1826 within five hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 12,900 firework-related emergency room visits across the country.
Jokes Four your Independence Day
If you crossed a Patriot with a curly haired dog what would you get?
- Yankee Poodle
What was the most popular dance in 1776?
- Indepen-dance.
What does the Statue of Liberty stand for?
- It can’t sit down.
What did one flag say to the other flag?
- Nothing. It just waved.
Independence Day Quote
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
– Abraham Lincoln
No Bake Pie For The Fourth of July
No-Bake Pie Crust
Ingredients:
- 1 & 3/4 cup cookie or cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Combine cookie or cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a food processor. Pulse until combined.
- Pour the crust mixture into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Press into the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Chill in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
Pie Filling
Ingredients:
- 1 Golden Oreo pie crust (directions above)
- 1 14-oz can condensed milk
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
- fresh berries
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the condensed milk, cream cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest until fluffy.
- Pour filling into the pie pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze for 20-30 minutes, until firm.
- Remove from the freezer. Use raspberries and blueberries to make a star design on the top of the pie.
The Designer of the
50-Star Flag Lived in
Lancaster Ohio
In 1958, a history teacher assigned a class assignment to redesign the national flag as both Alaska and Hawaii neared statehood.
Robert G. Heft, who was 16 at the time, designed a new flag using the old 48-star flag and $2.87 worth of blue cloth and white iron-on material. His design earned him a B-minus to which he challenged by sending it to Washington D.C. to be considered by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
According to his obituary, Heft was one of thousands to submit a flag design but he was the only person who actually stitched together a flag and shipped it to D.C.
Once the flag was selected, Heft’s grade was rightfully changed to an A. His design became the official flag in 1960.