07/03/2025
Just a tiny bit of facts about our holiday, July 4th.....
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was 70 years old at the time. This makes you think, you're never too old or young to be part of something monumental... like helping sign on to America's freedom!
Around 64% of Americans own a U.S.A flag. A patriotic fact indeed. This is according to a study conducted in 2024, so you can expect to see those stripes and stars waving all around on the 4th of July and beyond! Just make sure you know your flag etiquette.
Fireworks can get 15 times hotter than the boiling point of water.
Yep, it's true.
The Declaration of Independence was almost lost. Emphasis on almost! There was a point after the signing when George Washington and his troops were trapped by the British in New York City, with the document on him. Well, lucky for America, Washington found an escape, and all was well!
The hottest 4th of July ever was in 2023 (I'm sure it was in San Antonio). On that day, the average global temperature of 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit—which is definitely higher than any previous 4th of July ever! Hope you all have your neck fans ready for this year. 😂
“America” by Ray Charles is the most played song on the 4th of July.
The Pledge of Allegiance has been changed four times.
It was first written in 1892, but was then changed in 1923 (briefly again in 1924), and then one more time in 1954. As of today, it reads as: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
There is a small and brief message written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. It's upside down, too. But it's not as unusual as it sounds. Instead, it reads as this: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." Though, it's not clear who wrote this message—which sort of makes it an American mystery. 🤔
The battles of Lexington and Concord were the first battles in the American revolution. Yep! The "shot heard around the world" took place on April 19, 1775, ultimately starting the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the American War of Independence in general. Crazy to think it was all those years ago.
Americans spend billions of dollars on food alone for the 4th of July. In fact, in 2023 it was predicted that Americans would be spending $9.5 billion on food in preparation for their patriotic festivities. Talk about a shopping spree!
Apple pie has been a staple American dessert since the 1700s.
Settlers were looking for new traditions once they arrived to America. And one of the ways to reach this goal was through food—more specifically, pastries! Leaving behind their usual British scones and sweets, they were taught how to preserve apples and make pie crust from their fellow Dutch and German immigrants. Though earlier versions of apple pie did exist in other countries, the first recipe for apple pie in America was published in a cookbook in 1796.
