On the 4th of July, we come together to celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms that make the United States a land of opportunity and hope. It's a day filled with patriotism, gratitude, and joy as we honor the values and sacrifices that have shaped our country.

The Declaration Of Independence Wasn't Signed On July 4th

While we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2nd, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on the 4th of July but wasn't signed by most delegates until August 2nd.

A Famous Bell Rings 13 Times On The 4th Of July

Every Independence Day, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is ceremoniously tapped (not rung) 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies. This tradition is accompanied by children of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence ringing a smaller bell.

Hot Dogs Galore

The 4th of July is synonymous with barbecue, and hot dogs are a staple. Americans will consume roughly 150 million hot dogs on the 4th of July! That's enough to stretch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles more than five times.

Three Presidents Died On July 4th

Interestingly, three U.S. presidents have passed away on July 4th. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day in 1826, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe also died on July 4th, in 1831.

Macy's Fireworks Display Is Iconic

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks display in New York City is one of the largest in the country. It features over 75,000 shells and is watched by millions of people both live and on television. The first Macy's fireworks event took place in 1958.

The 4th Of July Was Not A Federal Holiday Until 1870

Although Americans had been celebrating Independence Day for decades, it wasn't until 1870 that Congress made it an official unpaid holiday for federal employees. It became a paid federal holiday in 1938.

$1 Billion In Fireworks

Americans take their fireworks seriously. Each year, almost $1 billion is spent on fireworks for 4th of July celebrations, with most of them being used in backyard displays.

The National Anthem Connection

The tune of the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was originally a British drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics during the War of 1812, and it became the national anthem in 1931.

Only Two Men Signed On July 4th

Only two men actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776—John Hancock and Charles Thomson. The rest of the 56 delegates signed over the course of the next month.

The Largest 4th Of July Parade

Bristol, Rhode Island, holds the country's oldest continuous Independence Day celebration, starting in 1785. Known as "America's Oldest Fourth of July Celebration," it includes a parade, fireworks, and various other festivities.

Celebrate the 4th of July knowing a bit more about the history and traditions that make this day special. Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸